Winter can be tough, not just on us but on our homes too. We stay warm inside to avoid the cold, but freezing temperatures can cause hidden damage. Slippery roads and icy sidewalks are common dangers, but the cold can also affect roofs, foundations, and even the pipes inside the house.
One problem that often catches people off guard is burst pipes. When water inside the pipes freezes, it expands and can cause them to break. This can lead to costly repairs and a big mess. As the temperature drops, it’s a good time to check if your pipes are ready for the cold.
What Temperature Causes Pipes to Freeze?
Pipes can start freezing when the temperature drops to 32°F, but they are more likely to freeze and burst when it falls to 20°F or lower. Many homeowners wonder, “at what temperature do water pipes freeze?” The risk increases as temperatures stay low for longer periods. The lower the temperature and the longer it stays cold, the greater the risk of freezing.
Wind and humidity also affect how fast pipes freeze. Strong winds can push cold air into cracks and gaps around pipes, making them freeze even faster. Dry, cold air can speed up freezing, while slightly humid air may slow it down. If temperatures stay below freezing for several hours or days, unprotected pipes are much more likely to freeze, especially in unheated areas like basements, attics, and garages.
Pipes inside heated homes are less likely to freeze, but if the heat is turned off or drops too low, even indoor pipes can freeze over time. Proper insulation and keeping water moving through the pipes can help prevent freezing in extreme cold.
How Long Before Pipes Freeze?
Pipes in unheated areas like garages, attics, and crawl spaces can freeze within 2-3 hours at 20°F or lower. Outdoor pipes freeze fastest since they have no protection. Pipes inside walls or basements take 4-6 hours, depending on insulation and cold air. Some ask, can pipes freeze at 35 degrees? While rare, it can happen with strong wind, poor insulation, or long exposure to cold air.
If temperatures stay below freezing for more than a day, most unprotected pipes are at risk. The longer the cold lasts, the more likely water inside will freeze, expand, and burst the pipe. Wind chill can make freezing happen faster, especially if cold air enters through cracks around doors or windows. Taking steps like letting faucets drip and adding insulation can help prevent damage.
What Causes Pipes to Freeze Faster?
Many things can affect how quickly pipes freeze in cold weather. Knowing these factors can help you protect your home and prevent costly repairs.
1. Pipes Outside Freeze First
Pipes that are exposed to the cold, like outdoor faucets, garden hoses, and sprinkler lines, freeze the fastest. These pipes don’t have walls or insulation to keep them warm, so they can freeze within a few hours when temperatures drop to 20°F.
Pipes in unheated areas, like basements, garages, attics, or exterior walls, are also at risk. While they have some protection, they can still freeze if the cold lasts too long. Interior pipes, such as those inside kitchen and bathroom walls, take the longest to freeze—usually around six hours at 20°F.
To protect outdoor pipes, disconnect garden hoses, shut off outdoor water lines, and cover exposed pipes with insulation or faucet covers.
2. Where You Live Matters
The climate in your area affects how likely your pipes are to freeze. Homes in colder states are built with pipes inside insulated walls, making them less likely to freeze. In these homes, pipes can often handle extreme cold without issues.
In warmer states, freezing temperatures are rare, so pipes may not have proper protection. They might run through uninsulated spaces like crawl spaces, garages, or exterior walls. Because of this, pipes in southern homes freeze more easily, often at around 20°F, while homes in northern states can handle lower temperatures better.
3. Insulation Can Slow Freezing
Insulated pipes stay warmer longer, which helps prevent freezing. Adding insulation, such as foam wraps, heat tape, or fiberglass, can raise water temperature by 3–4°F, making a big difference in cold weather. Knowing the pipe freeze temperature can help you take the right steps to protect your plumbing.
Sealing any cracks or gaps around pipes can also help keep cold air out. Even small openings near windows, doors, or basement walls can let in freezing air that lowers the temperature around your pipes. If you’re worried about frozen pipes, consider adding extra insulation in unheated areas and using heat tape for pipes that are more exposed.
4. Cold Weather Lasting Longer Increases Risk
A short drop below freezing may not be enough to freeze pipes. However, if frozen pipes temperature stays below 20°F for six hours or more, unprotected pipes are much more likely to freeze and burst. The longer the cold lasts, the higher the risk of serious damage to your home.
Wind and humidity can also affect freezing. Strong winds push cold air into small cracks around pipes, making them freeze even faster. Dry, cold air speeds up freezing, while slightly humid air may slow it down. If temperatures stay low for several days, even well-insulated pipes can freeze if they don’t have heat or running water.
5. Some Pipes Freeze Faster Than Others
The material of your pipes affects how quickly they freeze. Copper pipes lose heat faster and are more likely to freeze in cold weather. PEX pipes, on the other hand, are more flexible and resist freezing better. If you have older metal pipes, they may freeze sooner than newer plastic ones.
Pipe size also affects freezing. Smaller pipes freeze faster than larger ones because they hold less water, allowing ice to form more quickly. Pipes with standing water, such as those in unused bathrooms or outdoor areas, are also at higher risk because the water isn’t moving. Keeping faucets dripping during cold weather can help slow down freezing.
How to Stop Frozen Pipes From Bursting
The best way to avoid expensive repairs is to prevent pipes from freezing in the first place. Cold weather can quickly cause water inside pipes to freeze, expand, and burst, leading to water damage and costly fixes. Here are some simple steps to protect your plumbing during winter:
- Insulate exposed pipes: Cover pipes outside and those near walls, windows, attics, and basements with foam or fiberglass insulation. This helps keep them warm and reduces the risk of freezing.
- Protect outdoor faucets: Use faucet covers or wrap them with towels and plastic to keep them from freezing. If possible, shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets during winter.
- Keep your home warm: Set your thermostat to at least 55°F, even when you’re not home. Keeping a steady indoor temperature helps prevent pipes from freezing.
- Let warm air reach pipes: Keep cabinet doors open under sinks in kitchens and bathrooms to allow heat to circulate around the pipes. If some rooms stay colder, use a space heater to keep them warm.
- Drip your faucets: Letting water drip slightly from faucets helps keep water moving, which makes it harder to freeze. Focus on faucets connected to pipes along exterior walls.
- Disconnect garden hoses: Remove hoses from outdoor faucets to stop water from freezing inside and expanding into the pipes. Store hoses indoors to prevent damage.
Taking these steps can help protect your pipes and prevent the hassle of dealing with frozen or burst pipes during winter.
Keep Pipes Warm, Avoid Winter Damage
Winter can be unpredictable, and frozen pipes can cause serious damage before you notice. A small drop in temperature might not seem like a big deal, but if the cold lasts, it can lead to burst pipes and costly repairs. Many homeowners assume their pipes are safe, but unheated areas like garages and basements freeze quickly. Simple steps like insulating pipes, keeping the heat on, and letting faucets drip can help.
Don’t let frozen pipes turn into expensive repairs! Vegas Plumbing Pros is ready to help with expert insulation, winter plumbing prep, and fast emergency service. Protect your home before the cold hits—call Vegas Plumbing Pros today!
FAQs
How cold for pipes to freeze?
Pipes can start freezing when the temperature drops to 32°F, but they are more likely to freeze and burst at 20°F or lower. The longer the temperature stays below freezing, the higher the risk. Insulating pipes and keeping your home warm can help prevent freezing.
Will frozen pipes unfreeze on their own?
Will my pipes freeze if the temperature stays low for too long? Pipes will eventually thaw on their own, but this can take a long time. Before they unfreeze, the ice inside can expand and cause more damage. If the freezing gets worse, the pipe may burst and lead to costly repairs. It’s better to thaw a frozen pipe as soon as possible instead of waiting.
How long does it take to freeze a freeze pipe?
If you have a Freeze Pipe bong or a piece with a glycerin coil, place the coil in the freezer for at least an hour before using it. This helps cool the smoke, making it smoother and less harsh on your throat. Since the temperature can affect how well the coil works, keeping it in the freezer between sessions ensures it’s always ready for your next use.
Can pipes freeze at 1 degree Celsius?
Pipes can freeze when temperatures go below 32°F. However, they are more likely to freeze when it drops to 20°F or lower, especially if they are not insulated. Pipes in unheated areas, such as basements, attics, garages, and outside walls, are at higher risk.
