Las Vegas may be known for its desert heat, but you might not know it can get surprisingly cold in Sin City.
During the winter, temperatures drop below freezing, bringing a unique question: Can pipes freeze in Las Vegas?
With such arid surroundings and the city's reputation for warm weather, locals and visitors often overlook this question.
In this blog post, we'll explore everything from what causes water pipes to freeze to tips on avoiding frozen pipes during colder months in Las Vegas so that your plumbing system remains safe and operating correctly no matter how chilly things get in Nevada's hottest destination.
What Causes Pipes to Freeze?
Every year in the United States, frozen and/or broken pipes affect about 250,000 households and houses.
Pipes are susceptible to freezing during cold weather for a few reasons. First, low temperatures cause the water inside your pipes to freeze, and as it expands, the pressure can wreak havoc on your plumbing system.
Water pipes are also vulnerable to freezing due to a lack of insulation and failure to winterize your plumbing system before cold weather arrives properly.
The most common signs of frozen pipes include:
- Limited or no water coming out of your faucets
- A sudden drop in water pressure
- Noticeable cracks or bulging on exposed pipes
- Frost on any exposed pipes
Do You Need to Worry About Freezing Pipes?
The good news is that freezing pipes in Las Vegas are a rarity. The city's moderate climate rarely drops below freezing for long periods. But…for this reason, many people are unprepared.
Most homes and businesses in the area have adequate insulation to protect against cold temperatures.
However, suppose you live or work in an older building that may not be adequately insulated or expect especially cold weather. In that case, it's always best to take necessary precautions to prevent frozen pipes.
In case you were wondering, you won't have to worry about frozen pipes in your house. However, some parts of Las Vegas are located at higher altitudes than the city's average of around 2,000 feet; this includes the northwest valley.
Nighttime lows in these regions may dip to below freezing, or 32°F, during certain periods of the year.
Although this won't be an issue inside most houses until the temperature drops under 20 Fahrenheit, issues can occur with outside pipes once the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, pipe breaks may happen if pipes freeze.
In 20-degree temperatures, a pipe may crack in as little as four hours if the water within grows beyond its capacity. There might be a minor break in the pipe, or it could be completely ruptured.
A broken pipe outside might cause water leakage within the house based on the amount of water leaks and location.
The immediate thawing of frozen pipes might avoid costly drainage problems if you discover them before burst.
It's best to bring in the experts if you don't know what you're doing. However, preventing them from succumbing to freezing is always preferable.
According to industry experts, water damage and frozen pipes account for between 11 and 20 percent of all annual homeowner compensation claims.
What Are Some Potential Consequences Of Frozen Pipes?
If you have even one night of subfreezing conditions, your pipes could freeze and explode.
Frozen pipes are not as frequent as you may assume, particularly among uneducated homeowners and entrepreneurs.
If a pipe in your house or company suddenly bursts, it may cause significant damage and financial hardship. If your pipes freeze in Sin City, you may have the following issues:
- Financial Loss
The average insurance settlement is about $15,000, with the cost of repairing a broken pipe ranging from $5,000 to $70,000.
- Damage to Property
Substantial items, including flooring, walls, furniture, and carpets, are vulnerable to water destruction from a broken pipe.
- Risks to Health
Mold may grow as little as 24 hours after being exposed to water, making the environment unhealthy.
Signs That Your Pipe Is About to Burst
A busted water pipe is the worst possible emergency situation. Potential health risks include mold development and expensive repairs to your home’s structure.
If you suspect a pipe has burst, you should check for it as quickly as possible to prevent more damage, expense, and potential health problems.
Among the warning indicators are the following:
- Loud, unnatural sounds coming from pipes.
- Discolored and slippery walls around the pipe.
- A sudden decrease in water pressure.
- Noticeable cracks or bulging on exposed pipes.
- Frost on any exposed pipes.
- A strange smell in the air.
Preventative Measures to Avoid Freezing Pipes
The best way to avoid frozen pipes is by taking some preventative measures. Here are a few tips on how to keep your pipes from freezing in Las Vegas:
1. Insulate any exposed pipes in unheated spaces
Preventing pipe freeze-up in the winter is easier if your house is well insulated.
Always add insulation to your home's cooler rooms, such as the basement (the basement is the most common place 37% for pipe freeze-ups to happen), carport, and other unheated spaces.
This will prevent the pipes from freezing and bursting due to the lack of heat. Water pipes that go outside should also be insulated. Frozen water may damage outside pipes more than those located within a building.
2. Open cabinet doors
Leaving your cabinets open will allow warm air to circulate around the pipes and keep them from freezing. This is especially important in colder rooms such as the basement.
If the room is extra cold, you can even turn on a single tap in the cabinet overnight to ensure the pipes don't freeze.
3. Seal air leaks
Air drafts can cause your pipes to freeze, so seal any gaps around windows and doors. You can use weatherstripping, caulk, and insulation to make sure that no cool air is getting in.
4. Let the sink faucets drip
During extremely cold weather, let the sink and bathtub faucets run slightly with lukewarm water. Freezing air can cause the pipes to freeze even when they're insulated.
Allowing a small trickle of water to pass them keeps the pressure and temperature safe.
5. Keep the thermostat at a consistent temperature
Keeping your thermostat constantly set at the same temperature is the best way to ensure that your pipes don't freeze.
It's best to leave the thermostat at a comfortable 68 degrees Fahrenheit at home. Make sure not to turn it down too much at night, or else you may come home to a flooded house!
Call Dignity Plumbing to Unfreeze a Frozen Pipe in Las Vegas
DIGNITY PLUMBING is a trusted plumbing service in Las Vegas that has been working for 20 years. Their team of experienced, licensed plumbers can handle any plumbing issue, from minor repairs to major installations.
They help unfreeze your pipes by using advanced tools and techniques to thaw out the frozen pipes. The methods DIGNITY PLUMBING use include:
With 24/7 emergency services and reasonable rates, you can have confidence that your plumbing needs will be taken care of quickly and professionally.
Why DIGNITY PLUMBING?
- 24/7 emergency services
- Competitive rates
- Licensed and insured plumbers
- Prompt response times
- High-quality workmanship
- Experienced technicians
- Personalized customer service
- Free estimates
Call (702) 840-8910for plumbing problems in Las Vegas. DIGNITY PLUMBING can get any plumbing task done right the first time, and you will be happy with the results.
There is no need to worry about your plumbing issue because DIGNITY PLUMBING can handle it for you. Get in touch with them today to learn more about their services!