How to Keep Outdoor Water Pipes from Freezing - Outdoor Cabinets

Having your outdoor water pipes freeze can be an incredibly disruptive and damaging problem. When water in pipes expands as it freezes, it can cause pipes to burst, leading to costly repairs and water damage. Preventing outdoor pipes from freezing is crucial for avoiding these issues. There are various methods and techniques you can use to keep your outdoor water pipes protected during cold weather. Following proper preventative measures will help ensure your pipes make it through winter undamaged.

Why Outdoor Pipes Freeze More Easily

Outdoor water pipes are much more susceptible to freezing than indoor plumbing. This is because they are directly exposed to external freezing temperatures, with no insulation or heating to protect them. Some key reasons outdoor pipes freeze more readily include:

Lower temperatures – Outdoor temperatures drop much lower than indoor ones. Pipes outdoors are subjected to frigid winter air, increasing freezing risk.
Lack of insulation – Indoor plumbing usually has insulation wrap or foam covering it. Outdoor pipes have no insulation blocking cold from penetrating the pipes.
No ambient heating – Heat from the indoor air and surrounding environment helps keep indoor pipes warm. Outdoor pipes lose warmth to the cold exterior.
Long pipe runs – Outdoor water lines often long runs from the water source to spigots/sprinklers. Long pipes lose more heat.

Understanding these vulnerabilities is the first step toward properly protecting outdoor water pipes.

What Temperature Do Water Pipes Freeze?

Water freezes at 32°F/0°C. However, pipes begin developing ice and can burst at higher temperatures. Different variables impact the exact freezing point, including:

Pipe material – Metal freezes faster than plastic. Copper is especially vulnerable.
Pipe size – Smaller diameter pipes freeze more easily since they hold less volume.
Water pressure – Lower pressure allows freezing at higher temps. High pressure raises the freezing point slightly.
Wind chill – Wind draws heat away from pipes, causing them to freeze at warmer temps.
Location – Sections exposed to cold air freeze first. Shaded, low-lying areas are prone to freezing.

For most standard water pipes, freezing will begin at temperatures between 20°-30°F (-6°- -1°C). However, it depends on the specific conditions. The only sure way to prevent freezing is keeping pipes above 32°F/0°C.

Where are Outdoor Pipes Most Vulnerable?

Certain sections of outdoor plumbing tend to be most vulnerable to freezing:

Hose bibs – Since these are positioned above ground with exposed valve fittings, they readily lose heat. Installing insulating hose bib covers can help protect them.
Pipes against exterior walls – Any pipes running along exterior walls lose heat to the cold wall surface. Insulation placed between the pipe and wall helps reduce this effect.
Raised exterior pipes – Elevated pipes suspended above ground freeze most readily since they are exposed on all sides to freezing air.
Pipes close to unheated areas – Pipes near unheated garages, crawl spaces, attics or basements that expose them to cold are prone to freezing.
Low points/dips – Any low sections or dips in pipes where water can collect and sit are prime freezing spots.

Paying special attention to protecting these vulnerable areas is key.

How to Prevent Outdoor Faucets from Freezing

Outdoor faucets, also called hose bibs, are especially prone to freezing. Here are some tips for preventing frozen outdoor spigots:

Disconnect hoses – Detaching all hoses eliminates a major freezing risk. Open the spigot to drain any remaining water after disconnecting hoses.
Install insulated covers – These covers encapsulate the faucet to keep freezing air away from the hardware. Models with foam insulation work best.
Seal cracks in fixtures – Any small gaps can allow cold air to penetrate and freeze the interior pipe. Seal cracks with caulk.
Wrap pipes near spigots – Insulating wrap on any adjacent exposed pipes provides further protection.
Heat tracing wire – Running an electric heating wire along pipe sections by faucets heats them just enough to prevent freezing.
Shut off and drain – For unused or rarely used outdoor faucets, shut off the valve inside and drain all water out of the line when freezing temps arrive.
Maintain insulation – Check any insulating covers or wrap for damage. Repair holes or gaps that compromise the insulating ability.

How to Keep Water Pipes from Freezing Outside

For general outdoor plumbing, these are the main techniques to avoid frozen pipes:

Insulate Vulnerable Sections

Installing pipe insulation products is the most effective DIY method for protecting outdoor pipes. Some options include:

Pipe insulation wraps – Fiberglass or foam sleeves that wrap around pipes to retain heat and block freezing temperatures.
Insulating spray foam – Applied around pipes to adhere and seal. Provides excellent insulation against cold.
Heat tape/heating cable – Flexible, wrap-around electric heating wires to maintain a warm pipe temperature.

Focus insulation on vulnerable areas like elbows, joints, valves, ends of pipe runs, and raised/exposed sections. Make sure insulation is snug with no air gaps or cracks.

Utilize Heat Sources Near Pipes

Positioning heat sources near outdoor pipes raises their temperature enough to prevent freezing.

Run pipes through heated spaces – Route pipes through heated basements or crawl spaces rather than unheated areas.
Install heat lamps – Lamps directed at pipes introduce warmth.
Use space heaters – Portable heaters aimed at pipes add heat.
Heat traced wiring – Electric heat cables wrapped around pipe exteriors provide direct warmth.

Seal Entry Points

Sealing any points where outdoor pipes enter the house prevents cold outdoor air from penetrating indoors and freezing nearby sections.

Caulk windows – Fill any cracks around pipe entries with flexible caulk or insulation.
Weatherstrip doors – Install weatherstripping to seal gaps where pipes enter through doors.
Insulate walls – Add extra insulation around wall openings used for pipe penetration.
Install storm doors – Doors facing pipe entries should seal well against air gaps.

Increase Heat Near Indoor Sections

Boosting temperatures around sections where outdoor pipes transition indoors makes these areas more freeze-resistant.

Better insulate exterior walls – Add extra fiberglass batt insulation between studs near pipe entries.
Open cabinet doors – Allows indoor air to circulate around pipes that run through cabinets.
Use space heater – Direct a portable heater toward the immediate pipe opening area.
Adjust HVAC – Increasing the heat in rooms with pipe openings raises the ambient temperature.

How to Insulate Outdoor Faucets, Spigots, and Hydrants

Outdoor faucets are very prone to freezing. Here are tips targeting these specific fixtures:

Use Insulating Faucet Covers

Installing pre-shaped faucet covers designed to fit tightly over outdoor fixtures provides excellent protection. Look for covers made of insulating foam. Wrap any exposed adjacent piping in additional insulating tape or heat cables.

Insulate with Pipe Wrap

For stubborn hose bibs in very cold climates, you can wrap the fixture and pipes in both flexible pipe insulation and wider foam sheets. This double-insulated barrier keeps out freezing temperatures.

Install Heat Tape

Electric heat tape wrapped around the length of an outdoor faucet and its supply pipe applies direct warmth to prevent freezing. Cover the heat tape with pipe wrap for added protection.

Build Insulated Box

Constructing a well-sealed, insulated enclosure around the entire faucet setup blocks exposure from freezing air. Use wood frames wrapped with insulating foam sheeting.

Use Heat Lamps

For actively used fixtures, installing heat lamps directed at outdoor faucets introduces additional warmth to prevent freezing. Use infrared or LED bulbs designed for cold weather use.

Drain and Shut Off

For exterior spigots that aren’t needed in winter, shut off their interior water supply valve and open the faucet to drain all remaining water from the line when freezing approaches.

Maintain Protective Elements

Check any insulation, coverings or heat devices monthly for damage, gaps or malfunctions that disrupt their protective abilities. Repair or replace them before freezing temperatures arrive.

Protecting Specific Areas from Frozen Pipes

Targeted methods can help protect some common freezing problem spots:

Pipes Against Exterior Walls

Apply self-sticking foam insulation sheets directly to the wall behind pipes.
Install spacer boards between wall and pipe to allow warm air circulation.
Caulk any openings around pipes passing through the wall.

Exposed Pipes Under the House

Wrap underside pipes in pipe insulation or heat tape.
Enclose elevated pipes in insulated boxes with foam panels.
Use infrared heat lamps pointed at vulnerable under-house pipes.

Pipe Elbows and Tees

Coat all fittings with insulating spray foam for added protection.
Wrap insulation wide enough to cover the entire jointed area.
Use short heat tape runs covering elbows, tees and couplings.

Near Unheated Areas

Seal openings between heated and unheated spaces with caulk/insulation to contain warmth.
Introduce temporary heating elements like space heaters or heat lamps near entry points.
Insulate basement or crawl space access doors/openings.

Pipes Traveling Through Unheated Spaces

Insulate along the entire pipe run through unheated indoor areas.
Open doors to cabinets/storage areas containing pipes to allow ambient heat in.
Install heating wire circuits to keep lengthy stretches of interior pipe warm.

Emergency Thawing of Frozen Pipes

Even well-insulated pipes can occasionally freeze when temperatures dip extremely low. Here are ways to thaw pipes in a frozen pipe emergency:

Use a Hair Dryer

Aim a hair dryer or heat gun at frozen sections, moving slowly along the pipe to gradually warm and thaw ice blockages. Never leave dryers unattended or overheat pipes.

Immerse in Hot Water

Submerging frozen sections in hot water warms pipes safely and effectively. Use electric heating elements and insulated tubs for large pipes.

Apply Heat Tape

When designed for thawing, heat tape applies safe heat levels to thaw rather than prevent freezing. Wrap it around affected areas.

Pour Heated Salt Water

Boil water, dissolve in salt, then pour the hot saline solution onto frozen pipes to safely thaw ice. Salt lowers the water freezing point.

Use a Space Heater

Position portable space heaters near affected pipes. Direct the heat output directly toward frozen sections while monitoring temperatures.

Blow Hot Compressed Air

For exposed pipes frozen in small areas, blowing hot compressed air from a hair dryer or other source along the section thaws ice safely.

Consult a Plumber

For extensive freezing or pipes that won’t thaw, calling a plumber to thaw them with professional heating equipment may be needed to prevent pipe rupture.

Tips to Winterize Sprinkler Systems from Freezing

Cold winters can wreak havoc on irrigation and sprinkler systems. Here are tips to winterize them against freezing:

Drain all water from pipes using compressed air. Open end caps and drain valves to remove all moisture.
Disconnect water connections and drain water from the backflow preventer valve.
Blow out sprinkler system valves using an air compressor. Remove water from valve boxes.
Drain and store above-ground water storage tanks. Shut off and drain in-ground tanks.
Insulate any sections that can’t be fully drained, like the backflow preventer.
Cover sprinkler heads and secure drip irrigation emitters with insulation caps.
Inspect components for any needed repairs to be done over winter while drained.
Re-pressurize in spring with water, double check for leaks and adjust watering schedule for renewed growing season.

FAQs About Protecting Outdoor Water Pipes from Freezing

How do you keep PVC pipes from freezing outside?

Insulating outdoor PVC pipes is the best method. Use snap-on foam pipe covers, wrapping pipes with heat tape, or coating them in insulating spray foam sealant. For well-insulated PVC pipes, allowing a small drip overnight can also prevent freezing.

What temperature do water pipes freeze outside?

Most water pipes begin developing ice and can burst when outdoor temperatures reach 20°-30°F (-6°- -1°C). However, factors like wind chill and pipe material impact the freezing point. Insulation and heat sources are needed to keep pipes above 32°F/0°C.

Can you insulate copper pipes outside?

Yes, it is highly recommended to insulate outdoor copper pipes against freezing. Their high rate of heat conduction makes them especially prone to freezing. Use thick foam insulation wraps and heat tape around outdoor copper. Insulate indoor sections near outside wall entries as well.

Should you shut off outside water faucets in winter?

For outdoor faucets not being used at all in winter, shut off their interior water supply valves and drain any remaining pipe water to safely winterize them. Open the outside spigot to fully drain after the inside valve is closed.

What temperature do PEX pipes freeze?

PEX piping freezes at around 20°-25°F when exposed to freezing air. Insulating PEX pipes is crucial for freezing climate locations. Wrapping them in foam insulation sleeves and maintaining heated indoor temperatures keeps them safely above freezing.

Can you insulate galvanized pipes outside?

Yes, it is highly recommended to insulate outdoor galvanized pipes against freezing fractures or bursting, especially older galvanized steel pipes. Wrap them thoroughly in foam insulation and seal air gaps and openings around them leading indoors.

Conclusion

Preventing outdoor water pipes from freezing requires advance preparation and vigilance during winter. Insulating vulnerable pipes, maintaining heat around them, and sealing any exterior openings are the best protections. Indoor precautionary measures near outdoor pipe entries are also important. With proper precautions, you can keep your outdoor water pipes intact and avoid serious winter weather damage. Be sure to follow this winterization guidance before freezing conditions arrive.