Wisconsin Homeowners: Protect Your Property from Costly Winter Pipe Disasters
Wisconsin’s notoriously harsh winters bring more than just snow and ice—they pose a serious threat to your home’s plumbing system. Wisconsin residents experience extremely low temperatures throughout the winter season, with Milwaukee setting actual records of -21 degrees, breaking records that had stood since 1899. When temperatures plummet this dramatically, the risk of frozen pipes becomes a homeowner’s nightmare that can result in thousands of dollars in damage.
Understanding Why Pipes Freeze in Wisconsin
When the temperature outside dips to extreme lows, pipes are susceptible to freezing. At least a little water continuously flows through your pipes, which will freeze in drastically cold weather. Frozen pipes generally occur below 20° F, but freezing can happen above that threshold as well, especially if you have unheated pipes running through an uninsulated space.
The pipes most at risk are those in unheated interior spaces such as basements, attics, and garages. But even pipes running through cabinets or exterior walls can freeze. Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. No matter the strength of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break.
Prevention: Your First Line of Defense
The most effective strategy against frozen pipes is prevention. Here are the essential steps Wisconsin homeowners should take:
Temperature Management
Your thermostat should be set at a reasonable temperature to keep your home warm and your pipes from freezing. Our experts recommend setting you thermostat no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
Insulation is Critical
Proper pipe insulation is essential in preventing frozen pipes. Pipe insulation can cost just a few dollars at your local hardware store or home center. In some cases, this small investment to protect at-risk pipes could save you thousands of dollars, not to mention the heartbreak and hard work that comes with a burst pipe.
Fastening pipes with pipe sleeves or heat cables will ensure that your exposed pipes will not freeze. Equipping these kinds of pipes with insulation will serve as the strongest defense against a potential burst pipe.
Keep Water Moving
Allowing a trickle of hot and cold water drip through an exterior wall faucet lends great assistance in preventing your pipes from freezing and bursting. Let the cold water drip from a faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe—even at a trickle—helps prevent pipes from freezing.
Another preventative action is to run a small, continuous stream of cold water, about the diameter of a pencil, overnight and during extended periods when little or no water use is anticipated.
Interior Strategies
Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing, especially if your sinks are on an exterior wall. Plug or caulk holes that allow water lines to be exposed to cold air. Open kitchen cabinet doors, allowing heat into areas where water pipes may be located.
What to Do If Pipes Freeze
Despite your best prevention efforts, pipes can still freeze. If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, you may well have a frozen pipe. Here’s what to do:
- If a frozen, interior pipe is suspected, turn off the water at the main valve inside your home (located at the water meter) and call a plumber.
- Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.
- Use a hair dryer or space heater—never use a device with an open flame—to thaw the frozen section of the pipe.
DO NOT TRY TO THAW A PIPE WITH A TORCH OR OPEN FLAME. As tempting as it may be, do not use a blowtorch, a kerosene or propane heater, a charcoal stove, or any device with an open flame because the high heat can damage the pipes or even start a fire.
The Cost of Pipe Bursts
Burst pipes are one of the most common causes of property damage during frigid weather, according to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). The resulting mess could lead to thousands of dollars in water damage. A single burst pipe can cost around $500 to repair, but water damage restoration can cost thousands, depending on the damage.
When Professional Help is Needed
If you experience a burst pipe or significant water damage, it’s crucial to contact professional restoration services immediately. Companies like Flood Guys WI, located in Franksville, WI, is a local-owned business providing restoration services for biohazard/trauma, fire, water, smoke and mold. They pride themselves on their rapid response time, which is typically under 60 minutes for emergency calls. Their 24/7 availability ensures that they’re there when you need them most. Prompt action is crucial in minimizing damage, so you can count on them to arrive quickly and begin the restoration process.
For homeowners in the Milwaukee area seeking professional water damage restoration Greendale, WI, services like Flood Guys WI provide comprehensive solutions. They specialize in a variety of restoration services, including water, fire, mold, and storm damage. Their team is trained to handle emergencies, big or small, ensuring comprehensive care for every situation. Whether you’re dealing with a minor leak or significant fire damage, they have the expertise and equipment to restore your property effectively.
Conclusion
Wisconsin’s brutal winters demand proactive measures to protect your home’s plumbing system. By maintaining adequate heating, properly insulating vulnerable pipes, allowing water to drip during extreme cold, and knowing how to safely thaw frozen pipes, you can significantly reduce your risk of costly damage. Remember that prevention is always more affordable than restoration, but if disaster strikes, professional help is available to restore your home quickly and efficiently.
Don’t wait for the next polar vortex to test your home’s defenses. Take action now to winterize your plumbing system and protect your property from Wisconsin’s harsh winter conditions.