ST. PAUL Blog

Not Just a Pipe Dream: You CAN Keep Your Pipes From Freezing in Winter

Winter has arrived and with it comes freezing temperatures, ice, and snow. Whether you love or hate the cold winters everyone in the St Paul area experiences, there’s no doubt that they’re much easier to deal with if you’re prepared. That means getting your winter tires put on your vehicle and making sure your home is ready to keep you warm and comfortable when temperatures plummet.

While keeping yourself warm is likely your priority, your second should be thinking about your home’s pipes. A frozen pipe poses a big problem. Read on to learn why and how to prevent your pipes from freezing this winter.

Why do pipes freeze?

Our homes are full of small metal pipes that circulate water around our homes, whether it’s for a traditional radiator heating system or to provide water to our bathroom. Most of the year, these pipes provide us with the water we need and we never have to think about them. In the winter, however, that changes.

Many of us have water heaters in basements and areas of the home more exposed to the elements, such as external walls. When temperatures drop and we’re not actively pumping warm water through those pipes, the water sitting in those pipes can freeze. When the water freezes, you get a frozen pipe.

What happens when pipes freeze?

When a pipe freezes the pipe becomes fully or partially blocked with ice. As the pipe thaws, it is often damaged in the process, leading to small leaks. If you try to run the system as normal, hoping the blockage will clear, you may even end up with a burst pipe, which is where the pressure is so much that the pipe breaks and the water is allowed to flow freely in your home - usually within the wall.

What should I do if my pipes freeze in the St Paul area?

If you suspect or know your pipes have frozen, turn off the water supply to your home and wait for the temperature to rise enough to thaw any ice in the pipes. If you have any leaks or burst pipes, reach out to a plumber as soon as you can. Once your pipes are back in working order, you can take action to help prevent them from freezing again in the future.

How do I stop my pipes from freezing in winter?

Temperatures in the St Paul area drop significantly as soon as winter arrives - dropping into the 30s and often below. It’s not unusual to see temperatures fall below 20F and the historical low for the area is -32F! With winters like these, you can’t simply hope for the best. Temperatures are around or below freezing most nights so if you’re not prepared, your pipes will freeze.

So what’s the answer? Good insulation and air sealing for your pipes and your home. Quality insulation and air sealing will help keep your ambient temperature up high enough that your pipes can’t get cold enough to freeze unless there is an extreme situation.

That means you should ensure your insulation is in good condition and then keep your heating on overnight in winter even if the home is uninhabited. Remember, insulation can only keep in heat that is already created, it cannot generate heat.

What type of insulation is best for stopping pipes from freezing in St Paul?

Pipe insulation is a good idea, but you should also think about ensuring your home is properly insulated. Remember that without it you are going to have to use twice the resources to keep your home warm because so much heat escapes beyond its walls. That means your home will be colder near the external walls and windows and your energy bills will be sky-high.

There are a few different options for your insulation, all of which will help you keep your home warm and comfortable and your pipes at an appropriate temperature:

• Batt insulation - these are the large pink panels of blanket-like insulation you may have seen installed in a new home
• Blown-in insulation - this is a popular choice for homes that need more insulation but are not being renovated, since it can be installed through a small opening in the wall
• Spray foam insulation - is another popular choice that has the highest R-value per inch, which means it is one of the best at retaining heat.

What’s best for you will also depend on the structure of your building, so reach out to your local Koala Insulation experts for a full assessment of what’s best for you.

Insulate and Seal to Prevent Pipes Freezing this Winter

If you’re ready to ensure your home stays warm this winter and you don’t have to worry about burst pipes, contact your St Paul area insulation experts - Koala Insulation of St Paul. Our team will assess your residence and install new insulation if necessary. To learn more or to book, click here.