Cold weather can bring many problems, including hypothermia and frostbite if you are caught outside for too long. Your property is also at risk during frigid temperatures. A frozen pipe can cut off your water supply and, if left untreated, it can burst, causing hundreds maybe thousands of dollars of damages. Keeping your pipes warm enough, so they don’t freeze in the first place is a great proactive step toward protecting your plumbing and home in general.
Follow our steps below to protect your home and prevent pipes from freezing in the winter.
1. Keep the Heat Flowing
Keep your heat turned on during the day and night, even if you will be out at school or work. When you will be out of town, keep your heat flowing. This step may sound like a waste of money, but keeping the heat on helps ensure your pipes remain unfrozen.
There is a chance to save some money. You can turn down the heat, but make sure it stays about 50 degrees.
2. Let Your Faucets Drip
Letting your faucets drip relieves pressure from your pipes and plumbing system. This step will do more to prevent frozen pipes from bursting than it will to stop them from freezing. Do this with both warm and cold water.
3. Leave Your Doors Open
… Well, your inner doors, at least. Keeping doors between rooms open can help the warm air inside to flow freely, so your entire home stays warm. When doors stay closed, there can be cold spots that lead to freezing pipes.
4. Place Additional Insulation Around Your Pipes
Basement or attic pipes will be much safer if you add extra insulation around them. These areas of your home tend not to have insulation, so your pipes here are in greater danger. If you have any other cold spots around your home, add some extra insulation to prevent frozen pipes.
5. Treat Your Pipes with Heating Tape
Think of heating tape like a heating pad for your pipes. Heating tape sends warmth directly to the pipes when it gets extra cold. Applying heating tape is an excellent step if you have a section of exposed pipe that needs your care. The heating tape can either turn off and on all by itself or you can get a plug-in version. Make sure to follow the safety steps closely to stay safe.
Prevent Pipes from Freezing in the Winter with an Expert Plumber
Winter is an unforgiving season for plumbing. When you follow these steps, your home will be much safer during the cold months. If you need extra help insulating your pipes or need an expert to assess your plumbing, call in the professionals at Kelly Plumbing and Leak Detection. Our team has the training and experience to notice and correct any trouble spots, so you don’t have any trouble with your plumbing.
Give us at Kelly Plumbing and Leak Detection a call today at 972-774-8722 for immediate service.
