Many Americans deal with frozen pipes as the temperature plummets throughout the country. Frozen pipes keep you from accessing water for regular activities. Even worse, it presents a potential hazard of water damage. This guide sheds light on frozen pipes and tips to prevent them.
Water expands upon freezing. This causes metal and plastic pipes to burst. Once the ice thaws, the liquid will run out of the pipe, causing expensive damage to your property. Unfortunately, one in 60 insulated houses annually files a claim for water damage.
How can you tell your pipes are frozen? Here are a few signs to look out for.
Poor insulation, low thermostat setting, and a temperature drop are three primary causes of frozen pipes. You can, however, take a few steps to avoid that from happening.
Insulate Unheated Areas
The plumbing running through unheated areas, like the crawl space, attic, and garage, does not get enough warmth. Insulating these pipes keeps them warm and reduces the risk of bursting. On top of that, well-insulated properties heat efficiently, reducing your heating bills.
If you’re good at DIYing, you can add insulation yourself. Otherwise, you can turn to a professional. Either way, the method offers an affordable way to keep your pipes from freezing in the winter and maintain an optimal temperature inside your home.Cover the Exposed Pipes
Exposed pipes are more susceptible to freezing. Generally, pipes along your property's exterior walls need optimal insulation. You can purchase fiberglass and foam insulation from a local hardware store to insulate your pipes. Conversely, a newspaper can also serve as a temporary insulation.Keep a Tap Running
You’d be surprised to know that something as simple as running a tap keeps pipes from freezing. It offers an effective way to maintain the pipe temperature and keep the water inside from freezing. We do not recommend running the water at full blast. Instead, a minor drip will do. As a rule of thumb, open a faucet far from the main water source. This will force water throughout your plumbing system, keeping it active.Open Kitchen and Bathroom Cabinets
Another quick hack to prevent frozen pipes is to open kitchen and bathroom cabinets. This allows heat to circulate beneath the cabinets and warm the pipes. Ensure to open those situated along your home’s exterior walls. Pipes in these areas are more likely to freeze.Seal the Leaks
You may assume your home is fully sealed, but there might be holes and cracks around electrical wiring and dryer vents. Inspect these areas carefully and seal them using caulk. Small cracks let the cold air inside, dropping your home’s temperature and risking pipe freezes.Secure Outdoor Faucets
Disconnecting the garden hoses is crucial before winter strikes. Considering shutting off the indoor valve and draining water from the pipes serving faucets outside. This will reduce the chance of freezing pipes.Keep the Heat On
If you leave your home, leave the heating on. We recommend reducing it to a minimum temperature, of 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Completely turning off the heating as you leave risks frozen pipes. To keep yourself from stumbling upon an unpleasant discovery - a pipe burst, that is - set the heating to an optimal temperature and close the doors properly before leaving.If the water coming from the faucets is slower than usual, you may have frozen pipes. You can take steps to prevent a potential burst. Here’s what to do.
Pipes exposed to outside elements are at a higher risk of freezing. They include: