Each year, frozen pipes cause serious problems for homeowners and businesses. Frozen pipes can lead to costly repairs and make homes unlivable for families across the country. So why are frozen pipes such a nuisance? Let’s take a look at some behind-the-scenes information.
During the winter months, any pipe is susceptible to freezing if it contains stagnant water. As water freezes, it expands, which can lead to pipes bursting and the need for emergency repairs. Though insulation plays a role in preventing this issue, most pipes are in danger of freezing if the outdoor temperature drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you live in an environment that experiences cold weather for most of the winter, your home’s pipes are susceptible to freezing temperatures. Additionally, if your home is more than 30 years old, your pipes have a greater chance of freezing due to standing water from improper drainage. Homes with pools or irrigation systems are also prone to frozen pipes during the winter. If not detected early, frozen pipes can burst, causing hundreds of gallons of water to pour into your home in a matter of minutes. The average cost of a frozen pipe repair is approximately $5,000, and the repair process can take weeks to complete.
Cracks in your foundation of an older home can contribute to frozen pipes. Let’s take a look at how cracks in your foundation might form.
How Cracks Form: Foundation cracks can occur over time due to drastic changes in temperature, shifts in moisture, and diminished soil quality. While cracks can vary in size, recurring or deep cracks are a sign that your home’s foundation may need structural reinforcement.
Pipe Exposure: When your foundation has cracks, frigid air is allowed to rapidly move into your basement or crawl space. Once the cold air hits your home’s pipes, the freezing process is expedited and progresses rapidly. Exposed water pipes describe any pipes that can be cooled by outdoor temperatures. These can include basements with foundation cracks, outdoor hose bibs, and swimming pool water lines.
Instead of waiting to find out if pipes will survive freezing temperatures, homeowners can take proactive steps to safeguard their property and family from water damage by repairing existing cracks in concrete and walls.
Crack repair services from Intech Anchoring are available in a variety of options, including the use of epoxy or urethane injections and carbon fiber materials. Intech Anchoring is able to make the repairs from the basement or exterior of your foundation. Unlike traditional crack repair services, Intech Anchoring’s options take less time and money to complete. The cost of crack repair with epoxy or urethane varies based on the severity, cause, and level of damage to the property.
If your pipes freeze, call a plumber right away. Then thoroughly check your home’s foundation for cracks. If you’re unsure about whether or not your home has foundation cracks, call Intech Anchoring at 800-223-7015 to learn more about our crack repair services.
Tim is the President of Intech Anchoring and has 25 years of experience in the Civil Engineering and Geostructural Industry. Tim has developed extensive industry knowledge by working to support the needs of specialty contractors at each and every business level. Tim’s diverse industry background has given him exposure to a wide variety civil construction projects, ranging from the simplest residential applications to the most complex commercial and industrial projects. Coupled with a highly skilled and educated team, Tim focuses on providing the highest quality products and solutions to Intech Anchoring’s customers in order to consistently exceed expectations.