The winter season requires you to pay closer attention to your home or business’s plumbing system. During the summer, your prime focus might have been on water conservation, now you’ll need to think about how to keep the water pipes from freezing. While a frozen pipe might seem like a temporary inconvenience, it can quickly turn into a disaster. A single burst pipe can send thousands of gallons of water flooding into your home at once. Fortunately, it only takes a few simple steps to reduce the chances of your water pipes freezing so that you can focus on enjoying your favorite winter activities.
Stay On Top of Major Temperature Drops
Professional plumbers know to expect a sudden flood of calls after the first big freeze of the season. Frigid weather can sneak up on you, and it is possible for some climates to go from a comfortable temperature during the day to below freezing at night. As the winter hits full swing, make it a habit to check the weather regularly for signs that you need to double check your plumbing system.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Some pipes are hidden behind the walls, and they’re fairly insulated against the cold. However, those that run along an exterior wall might need to be treated with extra insulation. You can also insulate pipes that you see underneath cabinets or in the basement or attic. You can use special foam sleeves to help these pipes stay warm, especially if you know that they are prone to freezing. Heating tape is another option for certain pipes around your property.
Pay Attention to the Garage
Many garages have pipes that run through them, and it is likely that your garage is unheated. If so, then try to keep the door closed as much as possible during the winter so that any heat it has inside is retained. You might also need to seal any holes or cracks around the door that could allow cold air to come inside.
Maintain Consistent Heat In Your House
You might be tempted to shut off the heating system to save energy while you are on vacation. Unfortunately, this is a common cause of frozen pipes. Try to maintain an even heating level in your house to keep the pipes warm. You may also need to open up vents in rooms that aren’t used frequently. Even a guest room might have pipes running through the walls that freeze on colder nights.
Open Up the Cabinets
Pipes underneath sinks have a tendency to freeze because they are often located near exterior walls. Plus, the cabinet doors block some of the heat from your house from reaching them. Opening up the doors lets the indoor heat reach the pipes, which reduces the likelihood of them freezing.
Let the Water Drip Overnight
When you open up the cabinets, make sure to open up the faucet a little. You don’t need a steady stream of water for this to work. Just a little drip is fine. The idea is to keep the water flowing slightly so that it doesn’t expand as it freezes inside of the pipes.
These are useful tips on how to keep your water pipes from freezing. Preventing frozen pipes only takes a few minutes at the beginning of the season. Once you’ve prepped, keep an eye on the weather to make sure you do those last-minute items such as opening up the cabinet doors. Then, continue to monitor your plumbing system. If water doesn’t seem to run freely or you notice a drip, then take action right away. Fixing minor problems now helps to ensure that your pipes function properly and can stand up to the frigid winter temps.
If you have any questions or suspect that your home may have underlying plumbing issues, contact us here or call us directly at (310) 815-1515.
