Keeping Pipes From Freezing In The Attic

Moving plumbing pipes from a slab to an attic.

Keeping pipes from freezing in the attic. Surprisingly both hot and cold pipes can be at risk. Freezing in a pipe creates a lot of pressure inside the pipe and can cause the pipe to burst and likely lead to serious flooding especially when there s no one around to turn off the water. It s easy for pipes to freeze during a cold winter. Remember the more insulation you use the better protected your pipes will be.

The best way to keep your pipes from freezing is to purchase specifically designed pipe insulation. Controlled by a thermostat to activate only when the attic temperature plunges dangerously low the tape typically consumes about 5 watts per foot. The leak can often be repaired by. Cold temperatures can cause water pipes to freeze.

The best pipe insulation for your situation will depend. If a span of pipe is particularly vulnerable to low temperatures electric pipe heating tape acts like an electric blanket for pipes to prevent freezing. Often inexpensive foam pipe insulation is enough for moderately cold climates. For severe climes opt for wrapping problem pipes with thermostatically controlled heat tape from 50 to 200 depending on length which will turn on at.

If you notice plumbing pipes that are fully exposed to the elements understand that you are playing a game of water damage russian roulette and eventually you will lose. Heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables can be used to wrap pipes. Insulate any attic pipes that transfer water. Exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing.

If you look up in your attic and find exposed pipes you really need to take immediate action. Insulate pipes located in the attic and crawl space using pipe insulation even if the climate where you live does not often have hard freeze conditions you can also wrap pipes in heat tape or heat cables with a thermostat control. You can do this with any one of six simple steps or. Fortunately it s just as easy to protect them from the low temperatures.

Here are 10 ways to keep your pipes from freezing even during a record cold snap. Field tests of residential water systems showed that for uninsulated pipes installed in an unheated attic freezing began when the outside temperature fell to 20 f or below. When a water pipe leaks under a slab it is necessary to jackhammer a hole in the slab to get to the damaged pipe. But plumbing pipes in an unheated area such as an attic crawl space and garage are at risk of freezing.

Insulate pipes in your home s crawl spaces and attic even if you live in a climate where freezing is uncommon.