What Temperature Do Pipes Freeze In An Apartment Building?

There are a few things that could lead to pipes freezing inside an apartment building; outside temperature, overall temperature inside the building structure and inside individual apartments, as well as how well the pipes are insulated and if water is actively running inside them. As a result, there is not an exact temperature at which pipes will freeze inside an apartment building.

But even without that exact temperature, during the winter season, if we leave our home for too long, there is a chance that our water pipes could freeze, and if that happens, it takes a lot of effort to recover from that.

But this problem has a solution. We can take preventive measures to save our pipes. But before knowing about those solutions, let us know why it is happening.

Why do the pipes freeze?

Normally when the temperature goes below 20 degrees Fahrenheit and if the pipe is located outside the apartment, it can freeze faster than a pipe inside the apartment.

When the liquid cools, the molecules in the liquid slow down, and these molecules get closer, increasing density.

It can take only 6 to 8 hours for a pipe to freeze, so if the temperature drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, it could freeze overnight.

If you live in a very cold place, there is a higher chance you will face this problem because, in cold places, the temperature tends to drop very fast.

Here are some reasons why you are facing this problem.

• Not maintaining the apartment temperature. Do not turn off the heater or furnace completely when you are away. Keep it on; you can lower it to 60 degrees Fahrenheit / 15 degrees Celsius if necessary/to save on your heating bill.
• Do not leave the windows open when you are away, especially close the windows near the pipes.
• If you have any holes or cracks near the pipes, repair them.
• Disconnect outdoor hoses connected to pipes.
• Leaving the apartment for a long time without water running throught the plumbing; when our water pipes are not in use / without any water running through them and the home or apartment unit is very cold, the pipes could end up frozen.

Hazards of Pipes Freeze

• If we do not pay attention, frozen pipes can cause accidents such as pipe bursting. When the pipes are in a frozen state, they under pressure, and the pipe tends to expand. This can lead to the pipe bursting.
• Burst pipes can result in leaks causing damage to different parts of your apartment, such as the ceiling, walls, and floors.
• The leak can damage the wiring in the apartment leading to electric shocks, and it can crack your walls and damage (soak) the floor. The soaked area can lead to mold growth.
• Frozen water pipes mean you could not have access to water for several days. If the pipe bursts, you have to shut down your apartment’s water supply, and it can take days to repair.

How to figure out if your pipe is frozen?

• If the temperature is going down rapidly and your apartment is not winterized, you should not waste time and check your pipes immediately.
• A simple way of identifying frozen pipes is if the water flow is slow and gradually stops.
• If you’re noticing a foul smell coming from your drains, sinks, or toilets, this could be an indication that your pipes are not functioning properly. This could be due to frozen pipes that are preventing sewage from being transported from your home.
• If you have any exposed pipes, you might notice some frost on several parts of the pipe, and this may be an indicator of frozen pipes. However, you cannot see this inside the apartment. If you can spot that early, you can melt that frost part and prevent the pipes from freezing.

What to do to keep your apartment pipes from freezing?

You have to do regular inspections of your apartment’s water system. Winterizing your apartment would be the best way to prevent this.

From time to time, have the ducts cleaned; a clogged duct can increase the chances of frozen pipes because air warmed by the furnace could be prevented from circulating in places where you have pipes. Keep your heater clean. Maintain the temperature of your apartment, do not turn off the heater. Rather, keep it low when you are out.

When you are away from the apartment for longer, let the water drip from the pipes as flowing water does not freeze easily.

When the outside temperature drops to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, any exposed pipes on the outside of your apartment building could be at risk for freezing. Such a cold temp, along with other factors could increase the risk of frozen pipes inside an apartment. Frozen apartment pipes are very real concern, but certainly preventable. Moreover, prevention is better than the need for a cure. Ultimately, maintain your apartment ‘s temperature. If you need to lower it while you are away, keep it 60 degrees Fahrenheit / 15 degrees Celsius.

This post is for educational uses only and involves information and facts easily available through different online sources. Always consult with your apartment building manager for instructions on what temperature you should keep your apartment at.