As winter temperatures continue to drop, the temperature difference between indoor and outdoor environments gradually widens, posing a risk of freezing and cracking in household water systems. PPR pipes, as a core component of modern household water supply systems, are highly susceptible to freezing and malfunction if not properly maintained in low temperatures. This not only affects daily water use but can also lead to property damage due to pipe rupture. Shandong Jianlong Pipe, with 32 years of experience in the plastic pipe industry, combining factory-level quality control and professional technical expertise, has compiled a comprehensive guide to preventing and thawing frozen PPR pipes this winter, helping users easily cope with low-temperature challenges and comprehensively protect their household water systems.

The core reason for PPR pipes freezing and cracking in winter is the difference in the physical properties of water and ice, not simply low temperatures. Understanding this principle allows for more precise preventative measures:
Water has a density of approximately 1 g/cm³, while ice has a density of approximately 0.9 g/cm³. When the water in the pipe freezes at temperatures below 0℃, the water transforms into ice, resulting in a decrease in density and an expansion in volume of about 10%. This volume expansion directly compresses the inner wall of the pipe, causing the internal pressure to continuously increase. The larger the area of ​​ice formation, the more significant the pressure buildup.
Although PPR pipes have a certain degree of pressure resistance, they have a fixed pressure limit. When the expansion pressure generated by the ice formation exceeds the pipe's tolerance threshold, the pipe will gradually deform under compression, eventually leading to cracking and bursting. Therefore, preventative measures should be taken in advance to mitigate this risk.

To effectively prevent PPR water pipes from freezing in winter, the key lies in focusing on four core aspects: insulation, protection from cold, maintaining water flow, and draining accumulated water. Targeted protection can significantly reduce the probability of freezing and cracking, and is adaptable to different household scenarios:

(I) Wrap exposed pipes with insulation cotton for double protection and increased durability.

Exposed hot and cold water pipes on outdoor terraces, balconies, and exterior walls should be completely wrapped with insulation cotton (preferably fire-retardant and waterproof insulation materials). This not only insulates against low temperatures and prevents freezing, but also protects against sun exposure and aging in summer, extending the service life of the pipes. Wrapping hot water pipes, in particular, reduces heat loss during hot water delivery, making daily hot water use more energy-efficient and preventing energy waste.
If there are many pipe joints, an extra layer of insulation should be added to the joints, and the gaps should be sealed tightly with tape to prevent cold air from seeping in.

(II) Bury water pipes in walls/underground to utilize natural environmental insulation.

During home renovation, it is recommended to prioritize burying indoor water pipes in walls or underground: the temperature of walls and underground environments is relatively stable, significantly higher than the outdoor temperature in winter, and provides natural insulation, fundamentally reducing the possibility of pipes freezing.
If renovation is complete and the pipe layout cannot be changed, simple protective panels can be installed around exposed pipes to reduce direct exposure to cold wind and improve insulation.

(III) Maintain a slight water flow to prevent stagnant water from freezing.

On cold nights (especially when the temperature is below -5℃), flowing water can effectively prevent freezing. Before going to bed, slightly turn on a faucet in your home, allowing a thin stream of water to slowly drip. Place a bucket under the faucet to collect the wastewater, combining freeze prevention with water conservation and avoiding water waste.
It is important to choose the faucet closest to the outdoors (such as a balcony or kitchen outdoor faucet), as these pipes are at the highest risk of freezing. Prioritizing a slight water flow through these faucets provides the most direct protection.

(IV) Drain accumulated water from pipes at night to eliminate the source of freezing.

If your home has separate outdoor water pipes (such as balcony faucets or outdoor sprinklers), after showering at night, you can close the main outdoor water valve and then open each outdoor faucet one by one to completely drain any remaining water from the pipes. With no water remaining in the pipes, there is no possibility of freezing, thus effectively preventing outdoor pipes from bursting due to freezing. If indoor water pipes are close to the exterior wall, you can also periodically drain the accumulated water from the pipes for a short time to further enhance protection.