Frozen Pipe Prevention Tips for Eau Claire, WI Homeowners

Frozen pipes are one of the most destructive plumbing emergencies a homeowner can face. The resulting flooding when the ice thaws can cause thousands of dollars in damage within minutes. Eauclaire Plumbing Co assists homeowners in Eau Claire, WI prepare their plumbing for cold weather. Prevention is far cheaper than repair, so follow these essential tips.

Why Pipes Freeze

Pipes freeze when they are exposed to temperatures at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period. However, it does not have to be that cold outside for interior pipes to freeze. Pipes in unheated or poorly insulated areas such as exterior walls, attics, crawl spaces, garages, and basements can freeze even when outdoor temperatures are in the mid-twenties, especially when wind chill drives cold air through cracks and gaps.

When water freezes, it expands by about nine percent. In a closed pipe system, this expansion generates enormous pressure, potentially exceeding 2,000 PSI. That pressure does not just stress the frozen section. It builds between the ice blockage and the closed faucet, and it is this pressure that causes the pipe to burst, often in a section away from the actual ice formation. This is why a pipe can burst in a heated area of the home when the freeze is occurring in an unheated section.

Even in milder climates like Eau Claire, WI, unexpected cold snaps can catch homeowners off guard. Homes in temperate regions are often built with less insulation and may have pipes routed through areas that would be protected in colder climates, making them more vulnerable during unusual freeze events.

Insulate Vulnerable Pipes

Pipe insulation is the most effective and affordable preventive measure against frozen pipes. Foam pipe insulation sleeves cost a few dollars per six-foot section and are easy to install. They come pre-slit, so you simply snap them over the pipe and secure them with tape or cable ties. Focus on the most vulnerable pipes first: those in crawl spaces, attics, garages, along exterior walls, and in any unheated areas.

Do not overlook hot water pipes. They can freeze just as easily as cold water pipes, and insulating them has the added benefit of reducing heat loss, which saves energy and delivers hotter water to your fixtures. For pipes in extremely cold locations or those that have frozen before, consider thermostatically controlled heat tape or heat cable. These products wrap around the pipe and provide gentle warmth, activating automatically when temperatures drop below a set point.

Insulate pipes under sinks on exterior walls by tucking foam insulation behind and around them. Even the small gap between the pipe and the back wall of the cabinet can allow enough cold air to reach the pipe during a freeze event.

Seal Air Leaks and Drafts

Cold air infiltration is a major contributor to pipe freezing. Any gap or crack where cold air can reach pipes increases the freeze risk. Check for and seal air leaks around all pipe penetrations through exterior walls and foundations. Common problem areas include where the main water line enters the house, where hose bibs pass through walls, around the rim joist area in basements and crawl spaces, and near utility penetrations like dryer vents that can channel cold air to nearby pipes.

Use caulk for small gaps and expanding spray foam for larger openings. For very large gaps, stuff them with fiberglass insulation before sealing with foam. This is also good for energy efficiency, so it pays dividends beyond pipe protection. Close foundation vents in crawl spaces before cold weather arrives. Open foundation vents are designed for summer ventilation but allow freezing air directly onto pipes during winter.

Maintain Interior Heat

During cold weather, keep your thermostat at a consistent temperature, day and night. Dropping the temperature significantly at night saves a small amount on heating but can allow pipes in walls and other semi-protected areas to freeze. The Department of Energy recommends keeping the thermostat at 68 degrees during the day and no lower than 60 to 65 degrees at night during freeze risk periods.

Open cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks on exterior walls to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes. This is especially important at night when temperatures are lowest. If you have rooms that tend to be much colder than the rest of the house, use space heaters (safely and never unattended) or adjust your HVAC system to improve airflow to those areas.

If you are leaving home for an extended period during cold weather, never turn off the heat entirely. Set the thermostat to at least 55 degrees. Consider having someone check on your home periodically, or install a smart thermostat with a low-temperature alert that notifies you if indoor temperatures drop below a safe level. The small amount spent on heating while you are away is nothing compared to the cost of burst pipe repairs and water damage restoration.

Additional Cold Weather Precautions

When extreme cold is forecast, open faucets on vulnerable lines to a slow, steady drip. The real benefit of a dripping faucet is not that moving water resists freezing (though it does slightly) but that the open faucet provides pressure relief. If ice does form in the pipe, the pressure can escape through the open faucet rather than building to the point where the pipe bursts. Focus on faucets served by pipes on exterior walls or in unheated areas.

Before cold weather, disconnect all garden hoses from outdoor faucets. A hose left connected traps water in the hose bib and supply pipe, which can freeze and crack even frost-free models. If your hose bibs have interior shut-off valves, close them and open the outdoor faucet to drain the line. For homes with in-ground sprinkler systems, have the system professionally blown out with compressed air before the first freeze.

Thawing Frozen Pipes Safely

If you turn on a faucet and get only a trickle or nothing, you likely have a frozen pipe. Keep the faucet open so water can flow as the ice melts. Apply gentle heat to the suspected frozen area using a hair dryer, heating pad, portable space heater directed at the area, or towels soaked in hot water wrapped around the pipe. Start heating from the faucet end and work toward the frozen section.

Never use an open flame, torch, or propane heater to thaw pipes. Open flames can damage pipes, ignite nearby materials, and create dangerous conditions. They also heat unevenly, which can cause water to boil and steam to build up inside the pipe. If you cannot locate the frozen section, if the pipe is inside a wall, or if a pipe has already burst, shut off the main water supply immediately and call a professional plumber.

Contact Eauclaire Plumbing Co for Pipe Protection

Frozen pipe prevention is far less expensive than burst pipe repair and water damage restoration. Eauclaire Plumbing Co provides cold weather plumbing services throughout Eau Claire, WI. Our licensed plumbers can assess your home for freeze risks, insulate vulnerable pipes, and respond quickly if a freeze does occur. Call (715) 201-5013 to schedule a winter plumbing inspection.