Keeping your house warm during winter is important to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. But how cold is too cold for indoor temperatures when trying to avoid frozen pipes? Here is a detailed look at whether pipes will freeze if the indoor temperature drops to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Short Answer
At 60 degrees Fahrenheit indoor temperature, there is a risk of pipes freezing depending on the specific conditions. Pipes exposed to cold air or drafts are most vulnerable. To be safe, indoor temperatures should be kept at 65 F or warmer to prevent freezing.
What Temperature Do Pipes Freeze At?
Water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. However, pipes do not need to reach this freezing point to be in danger. As the temperature of the water inside drops, it can reach the point where ice crystals begin to form. This initial stage of freezing can cause expanding ice to put pressure on the pipe walls. Once enough pressure builds, it can burst the pipe even though the water is not fully frozen solid.
Most experts agree that pipes are susceptible to freezing when temperatures reach 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. This range is cold enough for partial freezing and ice crystal formation leading to bursts and cracks before the water is fully frozen. Temperatures below 15 degrees put pipes at even greater risk.
Factors That Impact Pipe Freezing
There are a few key factors that determine if 60 degree indoor temperature will be warm enough to prevent freezing:
- Pipe location – Pipes in exterior walls or uninsulated areas are more vulnerable
- Drafts – Cold air blowing on pipes chills them faster
- Pipe materials – Metal pipes conduct cold better than plastic
- Water usage frequency – Stagnant water freezes faster
- Pipe insulation – Insulation helps moderate pipe temperature
Even at 60 degrees, poorly insulated pipes exposed to outside walls or drafts could be at risk if temperatures are considerably colder outside. Let’s take a closer look at how each factor impacts the freezing point.
Pipe Location
Where pipes are located in your home matters when it comes to freezing potential. Pipes mounted on exterior walls or in outer corners of the basement tend to get colder than those on interior walls. This makes them more prone to freezing. Crawl spaces, attics, and garages also expose pipes to more extreme temperatures if they are not well insulated and separated from living spaces.
Cold Air Drafts
Cold drafts of air can drop pipe temperatures considerably, even if the surrounding room air stays at 60 F. Drafts near windows or under doors can directly chill pipes. Leaks in insulation, exterior walls, doors and windows can increase airflow over pipes and lower their temperature faster.
Pipe Materials
Metal is an excellent heat conductor while plastic is an insulator. Copper, iron, and galvanized steel pipes will transfer cold much faster than PVC, CPVC, PE or PB plastic pipes. Their material properties make metal more prone to freezing issues.
Water Usage Frequency
The temperature of water flowing in a pipe can help moderate the pipe’s temperature. Stagnant water has time to cool and freeze when a pipe is unused and unoccupied for many days. Infrequently used pipes in a vacation home are at higher freezing risk than frequently running pipes in an occupied home. Flowing water mixes and remains above 32 F longer.
Pipe Insulation
Insulation wraps or foam coverings act as a thermal barrier to slow heat loss from warm pipes or heat gain on cold water pipes. Well insulated pipes can often handle temperatures 5-10 degrees colder than uninsulated before freezing. If pipes at 60 F are already near the margin, insulation could make the difference.
How Low Can Indoor Temperature Go Before Pipes Freeze?
Given the above factors, how low can the indoor temperature get before reaching the danger zone for frozen pipes? Here are some general indoor temperature guidelines:
65° F or Higher
At 65 F or higher, pipes should be safe in most conditions. Only exposed metal pipes in unheated outer walls or rooms may still be at risk if insulation is lacking.
60 – 64° F
60-64 degrees starts entering the range where freezing becomes a real possibility depending on other conditions. Exposed pipes should be monitored for freezing issues.
40 – 59° F
In this range, freezing becomes very likely, especially for vulnerable pipes. Most homes will experience freezing pipes at these temperatures unless the water is kept flowing.
Below 40° F
Below 40 degrees, most pipes in a house will be at high risk of freezing even on interior walls. This temperature is deep into the danger zone for pipe freezing.
Will Pipes Freeze at 60 Degrees? The Verdict
At 60° F indoor temperature, pipes can start to freeze in some situations:
- Poorly insulated metal pipes on exterior walls
- Pipes exposed to cold drafts near doors or windows
- Stagnant water pipes that are used infrequently
However, at 60° most well insulated interior pipes should be safe from freezing if drafts are minimized and water flows regularly. Though this temperature is nearing the danger zone for vulnerable pipes.
To prevent freezing issues, its best to keep indoor temperatures at 65 F or higher, especially if pipes lack insulation. Monitoring pipes and watching for leaks at colder temperatures is also wise. If freezing is a concern, let pipes drip overnight during cold snaps.
Tips to Prevent Pipes Freezing at Low Temperatures
Here are some tips to help keep your pipes from freezing if you need to keep the indoor temperature around 60 degrees F:
Insulate Pipes
Install pipe insulation wraps or foam covers on exposed water pipes. This is especially important for pipes along exterior walls, in crawl spaces, attics or unheated rooms.
Seal Drafts
Caulk and weatherstrip windows and doors to minimize cold air leaks. Close off vents blowing cold air directly on pipes.
Open Cabinet Doors
If pipes run through cabinets against exterior walls, open cabinet doors to allow indoor air to warm the cabinet interior.
Let Faucets Drip
Keep faucets dripping overnight to maintain water flow when temperatures drop below freezing outside. The flow keeps water from stagnating and cooling too much inside pipes.
Maintain Heat
Keep thermostat at 65 F or higher to play it safe. Lowering to 60 F risks freezing vulnerable pipes.
Check Pipe Temperatures
Directly monitor pipe surface temperatures with a thermometer. If any fall below 40 F, take preventative action.
What To Do If Pipes Freeze
If you find your pipes have already frozen, time is critical to avoid cracks and leaks:
Shut Off Main Valve
Immediately locate your home’s water shut off valve and turn it off. This stops flowing water from putting more pressure on the frozen blockage.
Open Faucets
Turn on all faucets fed by the frozen pipes. This relieves pressure buildup as ice expands.
Apply Heat
Use a hair dryer, space heater, or hot water bottles to gently heat the frozen section and thaw the ice blockage. Never use an open flame.
Check for Leaks
Once water starts flowing again, check pipes and joints for any cracks or leaks caused by expanding ice. Immediately replace any damaged sections.
Insulate and Seal
Better insulate vulnerable pipes and seal air leaks to prevent refreezing. Keep thermostat warmer to be safe.
Maintaining Safe Winter Temperatures
Keeping your home’s interior above 60 degrees Fahrenheit will prevent frozen pipes in most cases. However, poorly insulated pipes on outer walls still remain at risk. For maximum protection against freezing and bursts, maintain 65° F or higher when extremely cold weather is expected.
With vigilance and proper preparation, you can keep pipes safe even if you need to temporarily lower the thermostat to conserve energy. Follow these best practices to avoid expensive frozen pipe repairs.
| Indoor Temperature | Pipe Freezing Risk |
|---|---|
| 65° F or Higher | Minimal risk except for uninsulated exposed pipes |
| 60 – 64° F | Moderate risk for vulnerable pipes, monitor closely |
| 40 – 59° F | High risk, take preventative measures |
| Below 40° F | Severe risk, pipes will likely freeze |
Key Takeaways
- Pipes can start to freeze between 20° – 30° F
- At 60° F, freezing becomes possible depending on pipe insulation, location and drafts
- Well insulated interior pipes likely safe at 60° F if kept flowing
- Exposed, uninsulated pipes very vulnerable to freezing at 60° F
- Keep home at 65° F or higher to prevent freezing
- Monitor pipe temperatures and check for leaks if lowering thermostat