Frozen pipes are one of the worst things a homeowner experience. Not only can frozen pipes interrupt your water supply to the home, they can cause extensive damage that requires costly repairs.
While some may only experience slow faucets and showers while the pipes thaw, others will experience busted pipes, cracks, and even flooding if it happens while they are away.
Protecting Pipes From Freezing
One small frozen pipe could spell disaster for your home. As with many things, prevention is the best route to avoid the situation in the first place. Below are some easy methods to follow for protecting pipes from freezing — ensuring you never have to deal with the damage and inconveniences a frozen pipe can cause.
Insulate Pipes
One of the easiest steps you can take is to simply use insulated pipe coverings to shield your pipes from the cold. The insulation will easily fit around your pipe, and stay firmly on for as long as you’d like.
Measure out any exposed pipes you may have that are isolated from receiving heat either directly or via airflow in your home. Trim the insulation and attach it to the pipes.
Running hot water every now and then throughout the day will pass enough heat through that will remain within the pipes and trap enough heat in to avoid frozen water. The insulation also protects the pipe from outside cold that may be surrounding it.
Open Cabinet Doors
The pipes under your sink can be at risk for freezing due to how close they usually are to the outside. While the pipes may be inside your home, their proximity to the pipes that lead into your home from the outside will make them colder, especially since they are under your cabinet and closed off from the hot air inside your home.
The fix for this is simple: just open your cabinet doors under the sink, or where any piping may be located. The open doors allow for hot air to circulate inside and keep the pipes nice and warm. This is definitely recommended if you are leaving your home for an extended period during the winter. You can’t predict how the weather will change, so leave your doors open before you leave, just in case.
Keep Thermostat Warmer
It’s always tempting to use your thermostat settings as a way to save money during extreme weather seasons. The winter can be especially hard on your utility bills thanks to the need to run your heater more often. Many homeowners will either keep the thermostat down during the day and wear some extra clothing, or set it to a cooler temperature overnight since they will be in a warm bed.
While these actions make sense when trying to lower your bills, the colder home will limit the amount of hot air that reaches your pipes that are isolated away. The warmer your home is, the warmer your pipes will be, even if they are in a cabinet or in the basement. Paying a little extra for your utility bills during freezing weather is a lot cheaper than paying for busted pipes and new flooring. Plus, you will have an excuse to be warmer during the day and night.
Let Faucets Drip
This is probably the easiest thing you can do to prevent pipes from freezing. Constant water flow through your pipes will go far in preventing sitting water from freezing. Even a small drip is enough to significantly reduce the chances of a freeze. You can easily do this without worrying about compromising your water bill.
Begin by first using your hot water lever to generate small drip every second or two. Follow this by turning the cold water lever to do the same.
Detach Hoses
Leaving your outside hoses attached to the spigot during freezing weather is asking for problems. No, there is not any water coming from the spigot, but there is a good chance that there is standing water in your hose. As water freezes, it expands, so the water in your hose will begin to freeze and push back towards the spigot. Once there, it will push the ice inside, causing your pipes to expand and possibly break or crack. Detach your hoses before winter and cover the spigots with insulation specifically made for outside attachments. These can be found at any hardware store.
Contact Dirt Solutions for Repairs, Renovation, and Remodeling
Home remodeling does not have to be a stressful process. If you are in need of professional remodeling or renovations for your home, including bathroom remodeling and new additions, contact Dirt Connections today! Our years of experience allows for us to always ensure a successful project for your home, with the skills and expertise to provide quality work that is built for a lifetime. Contact us today to find out all the different ways we can benefit your property, including free dirt delivery, site preparation, and dirt removal.
