Ask a Cleveland Plumber: Why Do Pipes Freeze?

Boxed-In Pipes Not Exposed to Inside Heat Will Freeze

It’s winter time in Cleveland and you know what that means: snow, and freezing cold. Much like the windows in your car will ice over when the temperatures drop, so will the water in your pipes. Frozen pipes are a homeowner’s worst nightmare, as they will result in your home having no water. As if not being able to live out your normal daily routine wasn’t bad enough, frozen pipes left unattended to for an extended period of time will eventually rupture and burst. The obvious reason why this happens to your pipes is because it’s cold outside, but in reality it involves a bit more than that. In order to prevent it from happening again – or at all – it would be wise to understand the most common reasons why pipes freeze up in the winter time.

Common Reasons for Frozen Pipes

If there are any openings or cracks that could allow cold outside air to get near the pipes or water meter.
If you have uninsulated pipes that are located against outside walls.
If you have open windows near pipes or the water meter.
If the water meter or pipes are boxed-in or enclosed against an outside wall. This typically means that they are not exposed to any sort of inside heat.
If your pipes or water meter are located in an unheated basement.

At Pompeii’s Plumbing and Heating, we never want you and your family to deal with the stress of frozen pipes. That’s why we suggest winterizing your plumbing before the cold sets in. The most effective way to weatherproof your home is to have the supply of water to outdoor spigots and sprinkler systems shut off so that they drain completely. You want to make sure any vulnerable pipes – like the ones closest to the outdoors – are free of any water. This way, they won’t burst. Our technicians have all the knowledge and skills to properly winterize your home. Whether you want to take preventative action, or you have frozen pipes you need dealt with, call Pompeii’s Plumbing and Heating today!