Yes, it’s really winter time again. As much as we’d like it to be all snowmen and caroling, winter is the most time of year for your health and your home. Hopefully you listened to our advice and enrolled in regular maintenance for your standby generator so you won’t have to worry about power, but what about water? Frozen pipes can cause huge issues. Don’t worry, we have you covered there too. Here are some tips to prevent your pipes from freezing this winter.
Open Your Kitchen Cabinets
Open any cabinets under sinks or with concealed plumbing in general to allow the heat in your home to warm the pipes up gently.
Detach Watering Hoses
Disconnect all gardening hoses and install insulated covers on all outside faucets. This is one of the three leading causes of frozen pipes (the others being too little warm air circulating around concealed interior pipes and leaks in exterior walls which allow cold air to reach pipes).
Maintain Temperatures
Keep your house at a minimum standard room temperature (around 68 degrees Fahrenheit) even when leaving or travelling for an extended period of time. This will prevent fluctuating temperatures which can cause further damage to your pipes.
Keep An Eye On Your Basement
Heating your basement can prevent pipes from freezing. If the cold is extreme or you feel like your basement may be a high-risk, it may be a good idea to seal the windows as well.
Insulate
Insulating outside walls and unheated areas of your home can save you a lot of trouble in the long run. We also suggest wrapping the pipes nearest exterior walls and in crawl spaces with pipe insulation or with heating tape for added security.
Relieve Pressure
When it’s extremely cold, allow a faucet to drip lukewarm water in order to reduce pressure and minimize freezing. Keep in mind that the first sign of freezing is decreased water flow from your faucet.
It’s Never Too Late
Even if your frozen pipes are bursting as we speak, it’s still not too late. We’re also licensed plumbers! Call us at 1-800-545-1020 or schedule an appointment by clicking here.
Looking For More Helpful Articles?
You can sign up for our newsletter for helpful tips, articles, and more!