how long does it take pipes to freeze at 28 degrees

Pipes can start freezing at 28 degrees Fahrenheit in roughly 4–8 hours if they’re exposed, uninsulated, and not flowing, but the exact time varies a lot with conditions.

Key takeaway for 28°F

At around 28°F, unprotected pipes are in a risk zone, especially over the span of a cold night.

• Uninsulated, exposed pipes (crawl spaces, garages, exterior walls) can begin freezing in as little as 5–8 hours of steady 28°F cold.

• Better-insulated or interior pipes can take longer, often closer to 8–12 hours, and sometimes may not freeze at all if the house stays warm.

• Colder than 28°F, strong wind, and no heat in the home speed things up; warmer indoor air and running water slow things down.

Think of 28°F as a temperature where an overnight stretch is long enough to be dangerous for vulnerable plumbing.

Factors that change freezing time

Even at the same 28°F, two homes can have very different outcomes.

• Pipe location: Exterior walls, unheated basements, attics, and garages freeze fastest; pipes deep inside conditioned space are safer.

• Insulation: Bare metal pipes in a drafty crawlspace freeze much faster than well‑insulated lines.

• Pipe material: Metal (like copper) conducts heat out more quickly, so it tends to freeze faster than plastic.

• Wind and drafts: Cold air moving across pipes strips heat, shortening the freezing time.
• Water flow: A trickle from a faucet helps keep water moving and can prevent or delay freezing at borderline temperatures like 28°F.

A simple example: a copper pipe in a drafty crawlspace at 28°F with no water running could start freezing after several hours, while a plastic pipe inside a warm bathroom wall may not freeze at all in the same weather.

Practical guidelines for a night at 28°F

If you expect several hours at or below 28°F, treat it seriously for any vulnerable pipes.

1. Keep the heat on
   • Maintain indoor temps at least in the upper 50s°F or low 60s°F to help protect interior plumbing, especially on exterior walls.

2. Open cabinets
   • Open kitchen and bathroom sink cabinets on exterior walls so warm room air can reach the pipes.
3. Let faucets drip
   • Let a small trickle run from at‑risk faucets (especially hot and cold for lines running through exterior walls, garages, or crawlspaces).

4. Add insulation where you can
   • Wrap exposed basement or crawlspace pipes with foam sleeves or insulation, and seal drafts where cold air blows directly on pipes.

5. If you’re leaving home
   • Do not turn the heat fully off; keep it on low and consider dripping the most vulnerable faucets overnight.

Signs your pipes may be freezing

Catching a freezing pipe early can prevent a burst.

• Sudden drop or stop in water flow from a faucet in cold weather.
• Frost or condensation on visible pipes.
• Strange gurgling sounds when you turn a tap on.

If a pipe is frozen but not burst, gently warming the area (space heater at a safe distance, warm towels, or a hair dryer moved continuously along the pipe) can help, but avoid open flames and be cautious about potential leaks.

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