Arctic Weather Alert

Wind has a major impact on whether exposed pipes freeze, even when the air temperature alone might seem marginal. Here’s how it works in practical terms:

1) Wind accelerates heat loss (wind chill effect)

  • Wind strips away the thin layer of warmer air that naturally surrounds a pipe.
  • This increases convective heat transfer, causing the pipe to lose heat much faster.
  • Even though wind chills don’t lower the actual air temperature, they lower the effective temperature of the pipe surface, making freezing more likely.

Example: At 28°F (−2°C) with strong wind, an exposed pipe can cool as fast as it would in much colder, calm conditions.

2) Pipes freeze faster in windy conditions

  • In still air, pipes may retain some heat from:
    • Residual warm water inside
    • Heat leaking from nearby buildings or the ground
  • Wind removes that heat continuously, allowing the pipe temperature to drop below 32°F (0°C) more quickly.

3) Wind defeats insulation if it’s not sealed

  • Insulation works by trapping air.
  • Wind penetrating gaps or poorly sealed insulation nullifies its effectiveness.
  • Even insulated pipes can freeze if wind is allowed to blow through or behind the insulation.

4) Evaporative cooling can worsen freezing

  • If moisture is present (rain, melting snow, condensation), wind speeds up evaporation.
  • Evaporation pulls additional heat from the pipe, lowering its temperature further.
  • This is especially dangerous around outdoor faucets and irrigation lines.

5) Why moving water helps — but wind can still win

  • Flowing water resists freezing because it brings in heat from upstream.
  • However, in strong wind and prolonged cold:
    • Slow trickles may not provide enough heat
    • Small-diameter pipes can still freeze

Practical mitigation strategies

To reduce wind-related freezing risk:

  • Block wind exposure (plywood shields, skirting, or wind barriers)
  • Seal insulation with tape or vapor barrier
  • Use heat tape rated for outdoor use
  • Enclose pipes where possible

Bottom line

Wind dramatically increases the freezing risk of exposed pipes by accelerating heat loss. In freezing weather, a windy 28°F night can be far more dangerous to pipes than a calm 20°F night.

Common ways to help keep exposed pipes from freezing

  1. Insulation: Use foam pipe insulation, heat tape, or heat cable to wrap pipes. Cover all joints and bends thoroughly.
  2. Enclosures and Barriers: Build insulated boxes or enclosures around vulnerable pipes. Use plywood or other wind barriers to block strong gusts.
  3. Sealing Gaps: Seal cracks, gaps, or openings in walls, floors, and foundations where cold air can seep in.
  4. Heating Solutions: Install a small space heater or heat lamp in areas with exposed pipes. Use thermostatically controlled heat tape/cables to maintain a safe temperature.
  5. Keep Indoor Temperatures Consistent: Maintain consistent heat in attics, basements, or crawl spaces where pipes are exposed.
  6. Disconnecting and Draining: For outdoor hoses and sprinkler systems, disconnect and drain them before freezing weather sets in.
  7. Outdoor Faucet Covers: Install insulated covers over outdoor faucets to help protect them from the cold.

Reminder: Winter Storm Uri & Senate Bill 3 (2021)

As a reminder from Winter Storm Uri, Senate Bill 3 was passed in 2021 which prevents penalties and water service terminations during an “extreme weather emergency.” This is defined as a period when the previous day’s highest temperature and the predicted temperature for the next 24 hours are both no higher than 28°F.

Inframark will be monitoring weather conditions and following the directives provided in SB3.

On behalf of the Texas MUD Leadership Team
Todd A. Burrer
President, MUDs
Inframark | 2002 West Grand Parkway North Suite 100 | Katy, TX 77449

 

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