What Happens When Pipes Freeze?
Pipes freeze when they get too cold due to wind or low temperatures. Winter tends to bring both, so you need to be aware of what happens to the type of pipes you have in your home. Each type reacts in a different way to winds and freezing weather. Copper, CPVC, or PEX are common materials used for water lines.
Copper: Copper lines often fail at the point of union. The pressure from freezing causes the material to stretch beyond its elasticity and crack. Your best course of action is to thaw slowly to prevent a rupture or burst pipe.
CPVC: These lines are all white and look like your typical plastic. They are extremely brittle and break quite easily. The instant you notice low to no water pressure, you want to shut off the water and repair any frozen pipes to avoid a burst or rupture. The smallest amount of pressure or disruption can cause this type of supply to break.
PEX: Being cost-effective, plastic pipes are more common in newer homes. You can expect them to be blue, red, or white. While they are strong and more pliable to withstand freezing weather, they tend to have a similar weakness as copper pipes and have issues where they connect.
Remember, it’s harder to freeze running water than stagnant water. When temperatures drop, you can let faucets drip to help prevent them from freezing. It’s not fail-safe, but it does help alleviate pressure and is good practice (especially for faucets that aren’t used regularly).
LM Companies, LLC is licensed for water damage and restoration. We are available 24-7 for water, fire, and odor damage in Northeast Ohio, including all major holidays! Contact us today to begin the process of restoring your residential or commercial property.
