As the colder months approach, it's essential to start preparing your home for the temperature drop. One of the biggest winter concerns for homeowners is frozen pipes. When pipes freeze, they can burst, leading to costly water damage and the need for emergency repairs.
Fortunately, there are many plumbing maintenance services to prevent this from happening. In this blog, we'll share practical tips for keeping your pipes from freezing this coming winter season.
1. Insulate Your Pipes
A simple yet effective way to protect your pipes from freezing is to add insulation. Pipes located in unheated areas such as basements, attics, crawl spaces, and garages are particularly vulnerable. Wrapping these pipes with foam pipe insulation or heat tape will help maintain a consistent temperature and keep them from freezing. It's also a good idea to insulate any pipes that run along exterior walls, as these are often exposed to colder temperatures.
2. Seal Gaps and Cracks
Cold air can easily seep through even the smallest cracks or openings, putting your pipes at risk. Take some time to inspect areas where pipes enter or exit your home, especially around doors, windows, and walls. Sealing these gaps with caulk or weatherstripping can help keep cold air out and your pipes warm.
3. Keep a Consistent Temperature Indoors
Many people lower their thermostats to save on heating costs when they're away from home, but this can put your pipes at risk of freezing. During particularly cold weather, it’s important to keep your home’s temperature consistent, even when you’re not there. Try not to let the temperature fall below 55°F (13°C). This simple step can prevent your pipes from getting cold enough to freeze.
4. Let Faucets Drip
When temperatures drop significantly, letting your faucets drip slightly can help prevent your pipes from freezing. This works because the movement of water through the pipes helps relieve pressure that can build up when the water freezes. Even a small, steady stream of water can make a big difference in avoiding pipe bursts during a cold snap.
5. Open Cabinet Doors
In particularly cold weather, it can help to open the cabinet doors under your kitchen and bathroom sinks. This allows warm air to circulate the pipes, preventing them from getting too cold. If you’re away for an extended period during winter, consider leaving these cabinet doors open, especially in areas prone to freezing temperatures.
6. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
Another essential tip for winterizing your plumbing system is to disconnect and drain outdoor hoses. Leaving hoses attached to outdoor faucets during freezing weather can cause water to back up in the pipes, leading to potential bursts. Be sure to drain the hoses and store them indoors until spring.
7. Consider Installing Heat Tape
For areas prone to extremely cold temperatures, installing heat tape on exposed pipes can be a lifesaver. Heat tape is an electrical device that can be wrapped around pipes to provide a consistent source of heat. It’s available in both self-regulating and manual models, allowing you to choose what best suits your needs. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install it safely.
8. Shut Off and Drain Pipes If Necessary
If you’re planning to be away from home for an extended period, it may be wise to shut off your water supply and drain your pipes. This can prevent freezing and bursting in unoccupied homes. You can either do this yourself or contact a plumbing professional to ensure it’s done properly.
Schedule a Plumbing Maintenance Check Today!
With a little preparation, you can protect your home from the costly and frustrating damage that comes with frozen pipes. By insulating exposed pipes, sealing gaps, keeping a consistent indoor temperature, and following the other tips above, you can help ensure your plumbing system makes it through the winter without any issues.
If you need assistance winterizing your plumbing, Nigel Mulgrew Plumbing is here to help! Contact us today at (415) 857-9980 to schedule a maintenance check before the temperatures drop.