Frozen pipes are common plumbing inconveniences during winter. Freezing temperatures usually put pipes at risk of getting damaged. With this, the water pipes are vulnerable to bursting, leading to serious flooding and leaking.
Bursting happens when the pipe is unable to withhold the pressures of water contraction. When this occurs, the costs of repairing the damages can be a real headache! Fortunately, you can prevent this from happening! Here are some practices you can do to avoid frozen water pipes.
1. Turn On The Heat
The freezing threshold of pipes is 20 degrees Fahrenheit. If you plan on taking your last-minute winter getaway, you should leave your heat on while you’re away. Setting your temperatures at 55 degrees Fahrenheit can help keep the pipes from freezing and bursting.
2. Leave Water Running
Using your faucet often can be helpful in keeping the pipes warm. However, this does not mean that you should turn on all your faucets at home. Be sure to do check all your pipes and assess which faucets should be left on.
3. Keep Garage Doors Closed
Garages have the tendency to keep the space cold. This makes water supply lines situated in the garage more vulnerable to freezing temperatures.
4. Open All Cabinets In Your Home
Ice blockages and pressure buildup in pipes are at the bottom of our priorities! We can keep our pipes warm by opening our home cabinets, thus allowing warm air to circulate.
5. Seal Cracks, Holes, and Spaces
Check around for possible cracks, holes, and spaces. Any openings should be sealed to keep the warm air inside, thus increasing your home’s insulation. Foam pieces secured with duct tape can be an inexpensive quick fix for this!
6. Apply Electrical Heating Tape
You can also regulate your pipe temperatures with electrical heating tape! It’s easy to apply and can be helpful for pipes located in the attics or basements.
You can choose from two different types — self-monitoring and manual. Self-monitoring heating tape can be the best option for homeowners who are always on the go. This type uses a sensor to detect whenever the pipe needs more heat.
Whereas the manual type of heating tape required you to plug it in whenever heat is necessary. This can be the perfect option for homeowners who want to be hands-on in the heating process.
Whatever you may decide on, just make sure to take proper precautions and safety procedures to avoid accidents.
7. Insulated Pipes
If you have the extra budget, you can opt for an upgrade. You can switch your old pipes to specifically designed pipe insulation. Homeowners can choose from either fiberglass, polyethylene, or foam for pipe insulation.
This investment is relatively cheaper compared to the possible repair costs of a burst pipe and is considered a remarkably inexpensive investment.
It’s always better to ask help from an expert. If you plan to have your pipes insulated, don’t hesitate to reach out to The Home Pros US. Click the “Free Quote” button below to have a local professional help you with your project.
