Freezing pipes are a nightmare! It is very important to keep your pipes fully thawed out during the winter months otherwise, you could wind up with a ton of damage and thousands of dollars worth of repair work. Here are seven simple ways you can keep your pipes safe from the cold this season.
1: Keep The Heat On
Heat can help prevent pipes from freezing. Even if you aren’t home, it is crucial that the heat remains above 50 to 55 degrees. This will provide enough heat to keep the pipes warm and to prevent any water inside from freezing and expanding.
2: Keep Interior Doors Open
Often times pipes can be found in cabinets and when it gets cold outside, you should open the cabinets to let the warm air from your home heat the pipes. It is also recommended to keep all doors inside your home open so that the warm air can circulate and help heat your home. This will also help regulate the temperature and ultimately save you money on your gas or electric bills!
3: Heating Tape
Heating tape is essentially an electric blanket for your pipes. This is a great option for shorter sections of pipe that are in areas that have significant risk of freezing. By wrapping this heat conducting tape around the pipes during winter, it can lower your risk of having the pipes freeze and burst.
4: Insulation
Basements and attics are the most common places that pipes without proper insulation can be found. If they are exposed they can easily be fitted with foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves to help decrease the chances of freezing.
5: Seal Up The Cracks
Seal up the cracks in walls or floors that could allow cold air to enter your home. You can do this by using caulk or spray foam insulation. If you can, you should seal both the interior and exterior sides of the gap to ensure it is fully sealed.
6: Drain Outside Water Sources
As you winterize your home, disconnect your garden hoses and drain any water from the pipes that are leading to the outdoor systems. Remember to turn off sprinkler systems when it is cold outside so no water enters the pipes after you have drained and winterized them.
7: Pipe Relocation
If you live in an extremely cold area, sometimes the best option is to relocate the pipes indoors. While this can be a costly and time consuming fix, it is permanent and will lower the risk of your pipes ever freezing.
These are just 7 simple ways you can keep your pipes functioning properly this winter and keep them from freezing or bursting during cold spells.
If you want a professional to come check the status of your pipes, contact us at Greenwood Plumbing! With 20 professional staff members, including 15 technicians, we guarantee an experienced tech will be on their way to your door as soon as possible.