Preventing Frozen Mobile Home Pipes: A How-to Guide

As winter sets in and temperatures dip below freezing, mobile home owners can face a challenge—frozen water pipes.

When the temperature falls to 20 degrees or lower, exposed water pipes are at risk of freezing, which can lead to costly repairs and serious water damage. To help you avoid this headache, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on how to winterize your mobile home water pipes and what you should do if they freeze.

Why Do Pipes Freeze in Mobile Homes?

Mobile homes often have water pipes located beneath the unit or inside exterior walls, which makes them more vulnerable to temperature extremes. When the pipes are exposed to freezing temperatures for too long, the water inside can freeze and expand, potentially causing the pipes to crack or burst.

Once temperatures rise and the water thaws, any damaged pipes that had been frozen may leak, leading to costly repairs and water damage inside your mobile home.

The Dangers of Frozen Water Pipes to Your Mobile Home

Frozen pipes in your mobile home aren’t just an inconvenience—they can lead to serious problems. A burst pipe can result in flooding, severe water damage to your home’s structure and belongings, and the need for extensive repairs. The longer the problem goes unnoticed, the greater the potential water damage.

On top of that, if a burst pipe continues to go undetected in your mobile home, you might also face mold growth, warping of your floors, or damage to your insulation. This is why taking preventive measures to winterize your mobile home’s water lines is crucial, and knowing what to do if they freeze is essential for homeowners.

How Mobile Home Owners Can Prevent Pipes From Freezing

Fortunately, there are several proactive steps you can take to prevent your mobile home’s pipes from freezing this winter. By following these tips, you’ll protect your home and relieve yourself of the stress and cost of dealing with frozen and broken water lines.

Insulate Pipes

Insulating your mobile home’s pipes is one of the most effective ways to prevent them from freezing in the winter. You can wrap your pipes in foam pipe insulation or use heat tape, which provides added warmth to vulnerable areas. Be sure to pay special attention to pipes located in unheated areas like the crawl space beneath your home. Above all, adding insulation will help retain heat and keep your pipes above freezing temperatures.

Repair and Seal Skirting

The skirting around your mobile home serves as a barrier that keeps cold air from flowing beneath your home, which can lower the temperature of your pipes. If there are any holes or gaps in your skirting, patch them up before winter hits. Ensuring your mobile home skirting is intact will prevent cold air from seeping in and exposing your pipes to freezing conditions.

Keep Faucets Dripping

When temperatures are expected to drop below freezing, keeping a small and steady drip of water running from your faucets can prevent stationary water from freezing inside the pipes. Even a slow drip can keep the water moving, reducing the chance of a freeze. It’s a good idea to slightly open the hot water line as well, as this helps keep water moving through the pipes.

Drain Unused Lines

If your mobile home will be vacant for an extended period during the winter, it’s essential to drain the water lines before you leave. This will remove any water that could freeze and expand, which would otherwise put your pipes at risk of cracking or bursting. Draining the water lines is a smart move if you’re not planning to keep the home warm indoors while you’re away.

Keep Your Mobile Home Warm During Winter

Finally, keeping your mobile home warm is key to preventing frozen pipes. Ensure your heating system is functioning properly and that you’re maintaining a steady indoor temperature. You may also want to winterize other areas of your mobile home to avoid heat loss, like sealing windows and doors and insulating your attic. Proper HVAC maintenance can also help keep your heating system running efficiently throughout the winter months.

What Should You Do If Your Pipes Are Frozen?

If you turn on your faucet and notice little to no water flow, it’s likely that your mobile home’s pipes have frozen.

You need to act quickly to prevent further damage. The first step is to shut off the main water supply as soon as possible.

Locate the Frozen Section

You’ll now need to start finding the frozen section of your pipes. You can use an infrared thermometer to detect colder areas, tap the pipes to listen for a denser sound, or look for visible signs like frost or a discolored tint on the pipes. You might also spot cracks or small drips that would indicate the affected section.

Thaw the Pipes Carefully

Once you’ve found the frozen section, you need to thaw the pipes carefully to avoid damage. There are several ways to do this:

• Heat tape: If you have heat tape already installed, activate it to slowly warm the pipes.
• Hair dryer or heat gun: You can use a hair dryer or heat gun to gently warm the pipe from the outside. Always move the dryer or gun evenly along the length of the pipe to avoid unequal heating.
• Space heater: Positioning a space heater near the frozen section can help gradually warm the pipe.
• Warm towels: Applying warm, wrung-out towels directly to the pipe can help thaw it gently.

When to Call a Plumbing Professional

If you’re unable to locate the frozen section, or the water pipe remains frozen despite your efforts, it’s time to call a professional plumber. This is especially important if you suspect the frozen section is located in your mobile home’s wall or another hard-to-reach area. A professional can safely unfreeze the pipes and inspect for moisture damage.

Get a Mobile Home Insurance Quote from 21st

Frozen water pipes in your mobile home are a serious concern, but with the right preparation, you can prevent the worst from happening. By winterizing your home, maintaining your heating system, and knowing how to safely thaw pipes, you’ll be ready for the cold months ahead.

At 21st Insurance Agency, we specialize in providing comprehensive insurance coverage for mobile homes and manufactured homes. While you do your part to protect your home, let us help ensure that you’re covered in case of unexpected damage from frozen pipes or other winter hazards.

Contact us today at 844-343-9408 or start a free mobile home insurance quote online and discover how we can protect your home, inside and out.