If you live in Juneau, preventing frozen pipes during the long winter months is crucial to avoid costly water damage. You should start with pipe insulation, especially in unheated areas and exterior walls, to maintain warmth and reduce freezing risk. For more guidance, alaska plumbing and heating specializes in cold-weather plumbing solutions.

Why Pipes Freeze

Understanding why pipes freeze helps you target your prevention efforts more effectively. In Juneau’s winter plumbing environment, prolonged exposure to subfreezing temperatures causes water inside pipes to lose heat rapidly. Pipes located in unheated areas or against exterior walls are especially vulnerable, as cold air penetrates and lowers pipe temperatures below freezing. Learn more about our experience on the about us page.

Expansion causes bursts

When water inside your pipes freezes, it expands by roughly 9%, exerting intense pressure on the pipe walls. This expansion risks causing pipes to burst, a common issue during extreme cold in Juneau. Addressing this requires a blend of winter plumbing maintenance and prompt professional pipe thawing when needed. Daikin heat pumps help maintain consistent indoor temperatures, while hose bib insulation and crawl space vent sealing reduce exposure to freezing conditions. Adjusting thermostat winter settings and leaving a dripping faucet to prevent freeze also aid in pressure management. See examples of our work in the slide show.

Prevention Tips

Since Juneau’s winters expose your plumbing to severe cold, taking proactive steps is essential to prevent frozen pipes. Start by insulating pipes, especially those in unheated spaces and along exterior walls, using foam sleeves or heat tape designed for cold climates. If you need professional help, contact us today.

Drip water

Why should you keep a small trickle of water running during cold spells? Because moving water resists freezing. When water flows, even slowly, it reduces the chance that ice crystals will form and expand inside your pipes. You should open faucets slightly to allow a steady drip—prioritize taps furthest from your main water supply. This helps equalize pressure and prevents buildup that causes pipe bursts. Read more tips in our blog.

If Pipes Freeze

What should you do if your pipes freeze despite your precautions? First, shut off the main water supply to prevent pressure buildup that could cause pipes to burst. Next, open faucets connected to frozen pipes to relieve pressure and allow melted water to escape. If you detect any cracks or leaks, immediately contact us for help from a licensed plumber.

Call a pro

You should promptly contact a professional if your attempts to thaw frozen pipes don’t restore water flow or if you suspect pipe damage. contact alaska plumbing and heating for expert service in Juneau and Southeast Alaska.

Get Help

If professional help is needed beyond initial measures, don’t hesitate to reach out immediately. Addressing frozen pipes requires prompt, skilled intervention to minimize damage and restore safe water flow. You can easily get in touch here for immediate assistance.

Alaska Plumbing & Heating

Alaska plumbing & heating offers comprehensive solutions tailored specifically for Juneau’s harsh winter conditions. When you trust them, you get expert assessment of your home’s vulnerabilities, including inspecting unheated spaces and exterior wall pipes prone to freezing. Learn more about our family-owned tradition on the about us page.