How To Keep Laundry Room Pipes From Freezing? 7 Expert Tips!

Many households are preparing for the impending winter by taking the necessary precautions. During this particular period of the year, it is not unusual for laundry machine pipes to freeze up and become vulnerable to bursting. When this happens, fixing it can be both costly and time-consuming. So, how will you keep laundry room pipes from freezing beforehand?

Insulation and Faucet Drips are the two primary preventive steps that you may take to lessen the possibility of laundry room pipes freezing. Also, try positioning a space heater close by if your washing machine is situated in a laundry room that is insufficiently insulated.

This blog will teach you why laundry room pipes freeze, what happens when they do, and how to avoid laundry room issues in the future. Now let’s have a look!

Ways to Prevent the Freezing of Laundry Room Pipes

So, you wake up one chilly morning only to find your pipes frozen, despite all the precautions you took. Sometimes, during a really cold spell, this can happen even if you think you’ve done everything right.

With unexpected temperature decreases, freezing showers, and inescapable blizzards, the winter months have been nothing but packed with surprises. If you own a home, you might be concerned about your windows, plumbing, and other things, but have you considered your laundry room pipes?

Here’s what to do if you find yourself in this situation:

Have the Plumber's Number Handy: Before you need it in an emergency, jot down the plumber's telephone number. It's a simple step that can save you a lot of trouble.

Thawing the Pipes Yourself (but be cautious!): If you want to try thawing the pipes on your own, avoid using a torch with an open flame at all costs. This can lead to a fire hazard or even burst the pipes. Instead, opt for a safer option like a hair dryer on a low heat setting. Wave the warm air back and forth along the frozen spot, not concentrating on one area. If you don't have a hair dryer, you can wrap the pipes with towels and pour hot water over them. It might get messy, but it does the trick.

Beware of Potential Leaks: Be cautious because the pipe may already be broken. While it's frozen, it might not be leaking, but as you thaw it out, water could come rushing out. Be prepared to run for the master shutoff valve if needed.

Precautions Before Winter: The main lesson here is to take precautions before winter sets in. Make sure you're ready for the cold weather to avoid waking up to frozen pipes. It's better to be prepared than dealing with the hassle of thawing and potential leaks in the middle of winter.

These pipes are at risk of freezing during the winter, especially if located near or in a garage where temperatures can drop below freezing. Understanding how to protect your laundry room pipes is essential for the longevity of your equipment.

To safeguard your pipes from potential damage due to freezing, follow these simple measures to prepare for harsh winter weather:

1. Place a Space Heater:

An easy and effective measure is to place a portable heater in the laundry area. This straightforward trick can have a significant impact, especially if the room is equipped with a door. By raising the ambient temperature, this helps prevent any pipes from freezing.

Many modern models come with an auto-on/off function, allowing you to regulate the heater’s usage. The heater will warm the space to a specified level and then automatically turn off until the temperature drops again. Depending on the room size and your preferences, you can choose anything from a compact space heater to a radiator-type.

I should also make a remark here. It is crucial to always take the right precautions when working with heaters that are portable to prevent unintentional fires. Take the advice in the user manual for your specific model seriously!

2. Utilize The Faucet Drip:

During winter, it’s a good idea to let one of your faucets drip a little. This helps protect all the pipes in your home, including those in the laundry room. It’s a quick and easy step that doesn’t require any tools.

Here’s why it works: When it’s really cold outside, turning on a faucet just a bit creates a slow and steady drip. This reduces the pressure inside the pipes and keeps the water flowing. Moving water takes longer to freeze than water that’s not moving, and it helps prevent the formation of ice blocks. So, by letting a faucet drip on chilly nights, you’re basically keeping the water in your pipes in motion, which protects them from freezing.

3. Shut Off the Water When Leaving Town:

If you’re planning to leave town for a while during the winter, it’s a good idea to turn off the water supply to your laundry room. This helps prevent the risk of frozen or burst pipes while you’re away.

Here’s how you can do it:

Turn off the Water:

Find the water controls for your washing machine. Usually, you can locate them on the wall behind the appliance. If not, follow the pipes visually. You’ll likely find two knobs—one for hot water and one for cold water. Turn both knobs to the off position to stop the water supply.

Effectiveness with Heating On:

This method works even better if you leave your central heating on, but it doesn’t have to be very warm—around 55 degrees Fahrenheit is usually sufficient. This helps maintain a moderate temperature in your home, reducing the chances of pipes freezing.

Remember to Turn On When You Return:

When you come back, simply turn the knobs back to their original positions to restore the water supply. This precaution ensures that you won’t come home to any unwanted surprises related to frozen pipes.

4. Add Insulation to Piping:

Insulating the pipes in your laundry room is the best initial move you can make. Conventional designs include foil-based insulation wraps that mimic tape and foam tubing that glides over the piping.

Even in some of them, there is active warming technology. To assist in controlling temperature and prevent condensation, they add an additional layer of thermal protection.

These insulation materials are affordable and can be found in any home renovation store. The good news is that insulating your pipes is a simple task that anyone can do.

5. Open Cabinets in the Laundry Room:

Open the cabinets under your laundry room basins as another simple (but effective) measure to avoid burst pipes. This allows the warm air from your home to circulate beneath the cabinets, keeping the pipes warm.

If your cabinets are on the exterior side of your house, it’s especially important to open the doors. Pipes near the outer walls are more at risk of freezing due to their exposure to the cold outside.

6. Recognize the Positions of Your Pipes’ Shut-off Valves:

Finding your primary water shut-off switch and knowing where your plumbing runs throughout the house are also the first steps in frozen pipe preparation and prevention. (The particular site may vary based on the current condition of your home, but your garage, lower level, laundry room or yard are possible candidates.)

The master shut-off valve could be close to the water heater or the washing machine. Check these areas first, as it’s a common location. Most likely, the valve is situated where the main water line enters your home from the street.

It is advised to get your heating and plumbing systems serviced by professionals once a year so you can stay on top of minor concerns before they become more serious ones during a freeze.

Once you’ve located the valve, consider making it easily identifiable. Paint it a bright color or attach a tag to it. This simple step can save valuable time during an emergency

An Essential Tip: Everyone in your family must know where the master shut-off valve is located and understand its purpose. In case of a plumbing issue, having multiple people aware of its whereabouts ensures a quicker response and minimizes potential damage.

7. Purchase a Freeze Alarm:

Install a freeze alarm as well and configure it to warn you on your phone when the interior temperature falls below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. This will give you more period to heat up potential frozen pipe locations.

The Effects of Laundry Room Freezing Pipes

When temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, your plumbing can be at risk due to the expansion of water as it freezes. Both metal and plastic pipes face pressure from the expanding ice until they eventually break. The consequences of frozen pipes include:

Damage and Replacement:

When pipes freeze and burst, they need to be replaced. The expanding ice exerts pressure on the pipes, causing them to break. This can result in the need for costly repairs or replacements.

Water Damage:

In addition to needing to be replaced, fractured frozen water pipes that break indoors can cause substantial water damage within hours of thawing. Leaks in storage units, walls, and floors may cost homeowners thousands of dollars in cleaning and repairs, in addition to providing the perfect environment for the growth of mold and mildew.

Risk to Various Pipes:

While outdoor spigots, water sprinkler lines, and pool supply lines are most prone to freezing, indoor pipes can also be at risk. Areas such as basements, cellars, attics, garages, exterior walls, and unheated kitchen cupboards may have plumbing that is not adequately insulated from freezing temperatures.

Taking preventive measures is crucial to avoid potential damage and the associated expenses.

After Turning Off the Water, Will the Laundry Room Pipes Freeze?

It is quite improbable that your laundry room pipes will freeze unless the local water supply is shut off. It works because there is not enough water nearby to freeze over. This might be concentrated on your laundry room specifically or on all the pipework in your home.

I have already talked about cutting off the water supply to the washing machine. Find the water supply switch and close the valve if you want to keep your entire house safe while you are away from home.

Next, turn on every tap and leave it open for a few minutes to let the water drain from the system. Additionally, flush the toilets until no more water is visible. Shut the taps and turn on the water main once you are prepared to occupy the space once more.

Can Galvanized Laundry Room Pipes Burst in the Winter?

If your home has galvanized pipes in its plumbing system, it suggests that it was likely built before the 1960s, as modern residential plumbing typically uses copper. While galvanized steel pipes have a rust-resistant outer layer, they struggle with harsh water conditions. Over time, rust accumulates inside the pipes, diminishing their structural integrity and making them more prone to bursting when exposed to freezing temperatures.

Here’s a breakdown of the situation:

Galvanized steel pipes have a predicted lifespan of around 40 years. Beyond this timeframe, corrosion and degradation become significant issues. The accumulation of rust inside the pipes not only weakens them but can also lead to potential hazards, such as contaminated drinking water containing iron and lead.

Due to the compromised structural integrity caused by rust, galvanized pipes are more vulnerable to bursting when frozen. The expansion of water as it freezes exerts pressure on the already weakened pipes, increasing the risk of them bursting.

Professional plumbers often recommend replacing galvanized pipes with copper pipes as a preventive measure. Copper plumbing has become the standard choice for its durability and resistance to corrosion, providing a more reliable and safer option for your home’s plumbing system.

Additional Tips for Safeguarding Your Home and Pipes

Here’s a list of sealing off potential entry points without blocking essential ventilation:

1. Repair Broken Basement Windows: Promptly fix any broken basement windows to prevent winter winds from reaching and freezing exposed water pipes.
2. Seal Access Doors: Ensure proper sealing of access doors leading to crawl spaces or utility areas using weatherstripping or insulation.
3. Secure Air Vents Strategically: Be cautious not to block air vents necessary for your furnace and water heater’s combustion. Identify critical ventilation points and use draft stoppers to seal around vents without hindering functionality.
4. Address Cracks and Gaps: Inspect and seal any cracks or gaps in walls, floors, and ceilings using caulk or weatherstripping to create a barrier against cold drafts.

Conclusion

Winterizing your laundry room pipes is an essential step in home maintenance, especially if you reside in a region with harsh winter conditions. Taking precautionary measures such as insulating pipes, maintaining a slow faucet drip, using a space heater, or shutting off the water supply when leaving town, can protect your pipes from freezing and bursting.

It’s vital to know the location of your pipes’ shut-off valves and have a freeze alarm installed. Remember, the costs of these preventative measures are relatively minor compared to the significant expense and inconvenience of dealing with burst pipes and the subsequent water damage.

Just as we look after our laundry ensuring it’s clean, well-maintained, and cared for, it’s equally important to maintain the infrastructure that supports it. Taking the time to prepare and protect your laundry room pipes from freezing will contribute to the overall longevity and safety of your home. It’s a smart and necessary investment that will pay off in the long run.