Keeping water pipes from freezing is an important task for homeowners, especially in areas where the temperature can drop below freezing. Frozen pipes can cause water damage, plumbing problems, and high repair costs. Here are some tips on how to prevent pipes from freezing and what to do if they do freeze.
- Insulate your pipes. One of the best ways to prevent pipes from freezing is to insulate them with foam, fiberglass, or other materials. This will help keep the pipes warm and reduce heat loss. You should insulate any pipes that are exposed to cold air, such as in attics, basements, crawl spaces, garages, or outside walls. You can also use heat tape or heat cables to wrap around the pipes and provide extra protection
- Seal any cracks or gaps. Another way to prevent pipes from freezing is to seal any cracks or gaps that might let in cold air, especially where pipes run from inside to outside the home. You can use caulk, spray foam, or weather stripping to seal the openings. This will also help improve the energy efficiency of your home and lower your heating bills
- Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and faucets. If you have any outdoor hoses or faucets, you should disconnect and drain them before the winter. This will prevent water from freezing and expanding in the pipes and causing them to burst. You should also cover the faucets with foam covers or turn off the valves if they are not frost-proof
- Let the water drip. If the temperature is very low and you suspect that your pipes might freeze, you can let the water drip from the faucets that are furthest away from the main water supply. This will keep the water moving in the pipes and prevent it from freezing. You don’t need a lot of water, just a slow trickle of both hot and cold water
- Keep the thermostat at a consistent temperature. You should also keep the thermostat at a consistent and warm temperature, even if you are away from home or at night. This will prevent the pipes from getting too cold and freezing. You should set the thermostat at least at 55 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. You can also use a smart thermostat or a timer to control the temperature remotely
- Open the cabinet doors. Another tip to prevent pipes from freezing is to open the cabinet doors under the sinks or near the pipes. This will allow the warm air from the house to circulate around the pipes and keep them from freezing. You should also remove any items that might block the air flow or pose a fire hazard
At ServiceMaster Restore DCS, we know that damage caused by water can increase substantially if prompt action is not taken. That is why our restoration and cleanup services team is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. We provide water extraction, drying, and dehumidification services to ensure that no excess moisture remains hidden behind walls or within the materials of your home.
