Arizona Pipes Are Still at Risk During Winter Months

When you think of frozen pipes, you likely picture heavy blizzards, icy roads, and negative temperatures - not the desert landscape of Arizona. One thing most Arizona homeowners don’t realize: Arizona homes can be more vulnerable to winter pipe issues than colder states.

Our homes are not built with freezing temperatures in mind. A short cold burst could wreak havoc on your plumbing lines. Especially exposed pipes like the ones that run through attics, exterior walls, and other uninsulated areas.

We have a few educational tips on how to keep your home safe from colder temperatures and why winter pipe protection still matters in the desert.

Cold Arizona Attics Can Cause Pipe Trouble

The vast majority of homes in the Phoenix metro area have water lines running through the attic. Why? It is a common construction shortcut. It is faster and cheaper than running plumbing under a concrete slab.

There is one huge problem with this shortcut. Attics can lose heat FAST!

When outside temperatures drop between 30 - 35°F, attic temperatures can dip even lower. This causes water inside those exposed pipes to contract and cause:

• Cracking
• Splits
• Pressure buildup
• Sudden pipe bursts

It’s not common for Arizona homes to be built with freeze protection in mind, which means your attic might be the most vulnerable area in your entire house.

Hard Water Can Make Cold-Weather Pipe Damage More Likely

The minerals in our water can cause wear and tear on our pipes that can weaken them over time. Mix that with cold temperatures and those older pipes are more prone to:

• Cracking
• Leaks
• Joint separation
• Corrosion-related breaks

Small issues that we overlook can turn into bigger problems over time once the temperatures suddenly drop.

Exterior Hose & Main Lines Are Higher Risk in the Desert

Arizona homes are typically not equipped with winter hardware like most other states:

• Insulated outdoor spigots
• Protected plumbing access points
• Freeze-proof materials

Mild freezes in the desert can cause:

• Cracked outdoor faucets
• Leaking irrigation valves
• Damage to the main water supply line
• Unexpected water damage after thawing

Even a few hours of colder overnight temperatures can be enough to cause irreversible damage.

Our Final Takeway

These are just a few ways Arizona plumbing is vulnerable to these cooler temperatures. It is important to remember that our homes are not built for freezing temperatures. Protecting our pipes in the winter is just as important here as anywhere else.

At Oh No Plumbing & AC, we remind our clients that prevention is easy and repairs can often be a lot more difficult.

Our tips to protect your pipes:

• Insulate attic and exterior lines (not sure where to start? Give us a call and we’d be happy to help!)
• Disconnect garden hoses in these cooler months to prevent unwanted damage
• Check for attic drafts and insulate where necessary
• Schedule regular plumbing inspections (at least once a year)
• Check to make sure your water heater is functioning efficiently

We are always available for you plumbing and AC needs. Give us a call at (602) 559-9055 to schedule your routine inspection today.