The Ultimate Homeowner’s Guide to Preventing Winter Pipe Bursts in Arizona

Living in Arizona means enjoying mild winters while the rest of the country shovels snow. However, our desert climate can be deceptive. When temperatures drop unexpectedly during the night, many homeowners are caught off guard. We might not face blizzards, but the risk of a pipe burst is real.

As a locally owned business, DC Family Plumbing understands the unique challenges of Arizona plumbing. We have seen firsthand how a single cold snap can cause significant damage to a home that is not prepared. This guide will help you protect your property and avoid the stress of a plumbing emergency this winter.

Are Arizona Homes Still at Risk of Pipe Freezing?

The short answer is yes. In fact, Arizona homes are often more vulnerable than homes in colder climates. In northern states, pipes are typically insulated and buried deep underground to withstand freezing conditions. In Arizona, water lines are often located in uninsulated attics, exterior walls, or even exposed outside the home.

When the temperature dips near or below freezing, the water inside these exposed pipes can turn to ice. As water freezes, it expands. This expansion creates immense pressure inside the pipe. Eventually, the pipe cannot hold the pressure and it cracks or splits. This leads to pipe bursts that can flood your home once the ice thaws.

The most common problem areas we see include:

• Exposed main water lines entering the house
• Pipes located in unheated garages or attics
• Outdoor spigots and hose bibs
• Swimming pool supply lines and irrigation systems

How to Prepare Your Pipes for Winter

You do not need to rebuild your plumbing system to stay safe. A few simple precautions can make a huge difference.

• Insulate Exposed Pipes: Go around your property and look for any pipes that are exposed to the air. You can purchase foam pipe insulation sleeves from a local hardware store. These are inexpensive and easy to slide over your water lines.
• Disconnect and Drain Hoses: This is the most common mistake homeowners make. If you leave a garden hose attached to the spigot, water gets trapped inside. When that water freezes, it can back up into the pipe inside your wall and cause it to burst. Disconnect all hoses and store them for the season.
• Circulate Warm Air: For pipes located in cabinets, such as under the kitchen or bathroom sink, open the cabinet doors. This allows warm air from your home to circulate around the plumbing.
• The Slow Drip: On particularly cold nights, allow one or two faucets to drip slowly. Moving water is much harder to freeze. A slow drip relieves pressure within the system and can prevent a pipe burst even if the water gets very cold.
• Maintain Indoor Temperature: If you plan to go out of town, do not turn your heat off completely. Keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F to ensure the air inside the walls stays warm enough to protect your plumbing.

What to Do If You Suspect a Frozen Pipe

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, or if you see frost on a visible pipe, you may have a freeze on your hands. Acting fast is critical.

First, shut off the main water supply to your house immediately. This will prevent flooding if the pipe has already cracked. Next, open the faucet connected to the frozen pipe. As you treat the ice, the water needs a path to flow out.

You can try to gently apply heat to the frozen section using a hair dryer or a heating pad. Never use an open flame like a torch, as this can damage the pipe or start a fire. If you cannot locate the frozen area or if the pipe has already split, contact a qualified plumber right away.

Schedule a Winter Plumbing Check-Up Today

Taking a proactive approach to your plumbing is the best way to protect your home’s value. At DC Family Plumbing, we offer comprehensive inspections to identify weak points in your system before the cold weather hits. Visit our Plumbing Maintenance Services page to learn more about how we can help keep your system running smoothly year-round.

Don’t wait for a disaster to strike. Safeguard your home this season with the help of our friendly, uniformed technicians.

Call DC Family Plumbing today to schedule your winter plumbing check-up!

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