6 Ways to Keep the Pipes in Your Home From Freezing

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6 Ways to Keep the Pipes in Your Home From Freezing

Is winter coming to your home? If so, then you should prepare for the house troubles the cold season brings. Among the most prevalent problems that happen in houses during winter are frozen pipes.

As some of you may have already experienced; frozen pipes are very vulnerable to bursts due to its weakened state. Even if you’re not having issues with busted pipes; you may have trouble with low water flow. As usual, it’s always your best option to prevent the problem from happening in the first place. Here are various ways on how you can keep pipes from freezing.

1. Cover the pipes with rubber or fibreglass sleeves

It’s not just you who gets cold during winter but pipes as well. Keep the pipes warm and cozy by covering them with insulation items like rubber or fibreglass sleeves. These sleeves are easy to apply on exposed pipes like those found in the basement and the garage. You can just apply the sleeves on the walls and ceilings if the pipes are behind these structures. This can be a temporary solution for those who find it expensive to open up their walls and ceilings just to insulate the pipes. However, it won’t be as effective compared to pipes that are directly covered with insulation blankets.

2. Caulk gaps and cracks that are near the pipes

Cold air can greatly contribute to your pipes being frozen. If you noticed holes or gaps that are near to the pipes then you must seal it immediately. You can use caulks or any other sealing agents that can effectively patch up the cracks.

3. Keep the heater running

Maintaining a high temperature in your house can prevent the cold temperature from freezing the pipes. Albeit this method will definitely make your energy bills become higher than usual. This is actually a small price to pay in preventing frozen and busted pipes. After all, increased electricity bills are nothing compared to the hassle and expensive repairs brought by flooding from a busted pipe. You don’t have to set the temperature at extremely hot temperatures since 50℉ is enough to keep the air temperature warm.

4. Open the cabinets and other doors that have hidden pipes within them

If you already plan on keeping the heater running then you should make the most out of the heat being generated. Open cabinets and other interior doors that contain pipes behind them. This will allow the heat to warm the air inside these hidden areas.

5. Just let the taps drip

This method may seem like it’s going against every home water conservation tip ever; but this is actually a solid way in preventing freezing pipes. Some of you may be wondering how in the world would letting the faucets drip could help. The purpose of turning taps on is to allow water movement inside the pipeline. Pipes that have motionless water can easily freeze due to the cold atmosphere. By having the taps constantly dripping; you’re forcing the water to move in the pipeline.

6. Cut off the water supply if you’re leaving your home for a long time

For those of you who plan to be out-of-town during the cold season; we highly suggest turning off the main water valve to stop water from entering your house. You see, even if you have properly insulated all the pipes in your home; there’s still a possible risk of freezing and bursting pipes. There will be no one to handle the plumbing problem if you will be leaving for a while.

By cutting off the main water supply; you will prevent the leak from having an unlimited water source in case the water line breaks. Basically, this method will limit the damage done by the water spill. Don’t forget to drain out the water left in the pipes by opening all the taps and flushing the toilet.

If you already have a frozen pipe in your home, go to Your Neighborhood Plumber Bondi for more tips on how to thaw a pipe.