As temperatures continue to go down and winter approaches, water pipes exposed to the elements could freeze or burst if they aren’t protected. Don’t ruin your winter by having to clean up after a frozen pipe or pay for costly repairs; there are steps homeowners can take to prevent pipes from freezing during the colder months.
1. Insulate Your Pipes
Just like you need a coat when you go outside in the winter, your pipes need some extra insulation as well. Pipe insulation is relatively inexpensive and can be found at most hardware stores. If a sudden cold front creeps up on you, duct tape and newspaper wrapped around exposed pipes can work in a pinch.
2. Let Your Faucets Drip
This isn’t the most eco-friendly or efficient solution, but it will work because running water generates more energy than standing water, which can be just enough to keep the pipes from freezing. You don’t need to let every faucet drip, however. Only turn on faucets that drip into pipes that are more exposed to the weather.
3. Close Your Garage Door
Most people do close their garage doors during the winter months, but if you usually leave it open for some reason, keep it closed when the temperature drops.
4. Keep the Indoor Temperature Consistent
Many homeowners cut their heat when they are away at work or asleep at night, but during really cold weather, it’s better to keep the temperature steady. This will help keep pipes warm throughout the day and lessen the chances of icy build-up.
5. Seal Cracks and Openings in Your Home
Check your home, including the garage, crawl space and attic, for small holes that can let cold air in and seal up the opening. This will not only help your pipes stay warm, it will also help you keep heat in, reducing your energy costs.
6. Open Cabinet Doors
On really cold days, opening the cabinets that contain water pipes, such as the kitchen cabinet under the sink, will help keep the pipes warm. If you have small children or pets, be sure to move any chemicals that you keep under the sink out of their reach.
If you do experience any winter plumbing issues, like a burst pipe, or have a plumbing emergency, call us at 1-800-989-0299! We’re available 24/7 for all your plumbing and HVAC needs.
