Will Your Building’s Pipes Freeze at 32 Degrees?

When temperatures drop, building owners and property managers often wonder whether their pipes will freeze at 32°F (0°C), the freezing point of water. While water begins to freeze at this temperature, your plumbing situation is more complex.

Frozen pipes can cause serious damage, forcing you to deal with costly repairs and water damage if they burst. But will your building’s pipes actually freeze when the thermometer hits 32 degrees?

This article looks at pipe freezing, when pipes are most at risk, and, most importantly, how to prevent this potentially disastrous situation. With some preparation, you can protect your building’s plumbing and avoid the stress of frozen pipes this winter season.

Why Pipes Freeze

Pipes freeze when the water inside them drops below 32°F and begins to solidify. As water freezes, it expands, which increases pressure inside the pipe.

This pressure buildup can eventually cause the pipe to crack or burst, leading to severe water damage when the ice thaws. Even the smallest crack can release hundreds of gallons of water, making frozen pipes a significant concern in colder climates like New York.

Factors That Influence Freezing

Several factors affect whether and when your building’s pipes will freeze.

Pipe material plays a role, as metal pipes like copper are more conductive and may freeze faster than plastic pipes, which offer slightly better insulation.

The location of pipes also matters. Pipes in outdoor areas, unheated areas like basements or attics, or near exterior walls are more vulnerable to freezing. In addition, insulation levels around the pipes matter because well-insulated pipes have more protection from cold temperatures, reducing the risk of freezing.

All these factors come together to determine how likely your building’s pipes are to freeze during cold weather.

Will Pipes Freeze at 32 Degrees?

While water starts freezing at 32°F, that doesn’t mean your pipes will immediately freeze when temperatures hit this mark.

Pipes don’t always freeze at exactly 32°F due to thermal lag, where the pipes retain some heat for a period. Thermal lag is especially present if the pipes are inside a building or insulated.

The water inside the pipes may take longer to cool down and freeze, depending on airflow, insulation, and the surrounding environment, as well.

The Role of Building Insulation

Pipes are less likely to freeze when outside temperatures reach 32°F in well-insulated buildings. Insulation helps trap heat around the pipes, keeping them warmer for longer.

In addition, if pipes are inside heated parts of a building, this heat gives off some protection from the freezing air outside. Having an insulation buffer can delay or prevent freezing, making well-insulated buildings much safer in cold weather.

When Pipes Are Most Likely to Freeze

Pipes are typically at greater risk of freezing when the temperature dips to 20°F (-6°C) or below. At this point, even insulated pipes or those located indoors may begin to freeze, particularly in less heated areas like basements, crawl spaces, or attics.

Pipes with exposure to the elements or poor insulation will freeze much faster, so you’ll want to take preventative measures when the forecast predicts prolonged periods of freezing temperatures.

Preventing Pipe Freezing

Insulate Pipes

Proper insulation is one of the most practical ways to protect your pipes from freezing. Insulating pipes in unheated areas helps keep the water inside them above freezing.

Pipe insulation materials like foam sleeves or fiberglass wraps provide a protective layer that traps heat, reducing the likelihood of freezing in cold weather. Exposed pipes, especially those running along exterior walls, are the most vulnerable, so you’ll want to prioritize them for insulation.

Taking the time to insulate your pipes properly can prevent costly damage and water leaks, saving you significant money during a cold snap.

Keep Water Moving

Another simple but effective method to prevent freezing is to keep water moving through the pipes. Leaving a faucet slightly open allows a small amount of water to flow, which can help prevent the water inside from freezing.

This trick works because moving water is less likely to freeze than still water. Even a tiny drip can make a big difference, especially during overnight freezes. However, moving water will freeze in extremely cold weather, so you’ll need to take extra precautions if temperatures are going to plummet.

Temperature Management

Doing your best to maintain a consistent temperature in areas with pipes can make a big difference. If possible, prevent the temperature in spaces like basements or attics from dropping below 32°F.

Using space heaters or opening doors to allow warm air to circulate can help. You’ll also want to avoid lowering the thermostat too much when the building is vacant, as the colder it gets, the more vulnerable your pipes become to freezing.

Keeping these areas warm can prevent freezing and avoid the need for expensive repairs.

Signs of Frozen Pipes and How to Respond

Early Signs

One of the first signs of a frozen pipe is reduced water flow or no water coming from the faucet. Another warning sign is frost forming on exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas. If you notice these symptoms during cold weather, your pipes may be at risk of freezing.

What to Do If Pipes Freeze

If you suspect you have a frozen pipe, the first step is to turn off the main water supply to prevent potential flooding if the pipe bursts.

Next, carefully attempt to warm the pipe using things you might have around the house like hair dryers, space heaters, or heating pads. However, you’ll never want to use an open flame because fire can damage the pipe.

Keep the faucet open to allow water to flow once the pipe starts thawing. If you’re unable to thaw the pipe or locate the frozen section, it’s best to call a professional plumber for assistance.

Avoid Plumbing Emergencies This Winter

Call the Team at Sanitary Plumbing

You don’t want to risk having your pipes freeze in the winter because of the damage it can do to your multifamily buildings. Fortunately, Sanitary Plumbing is here to help. Call us at 212.734.5000 to have an expert inspect your plumbing system for vulnerabilities or complete a pre-winter inspection. We can also handle your plumbing repairs if cold weather is already creating problems.