5 Tips To Prevent Your Pipes From Freezing

Maintaining your plumbing system is very important, especially in the winter months because you have the risk of your pipes freezing.  You never want to get into a scenario where one of your pipe freezes and bursts, especially if it can be prevented.  If your pipe bursts, it can be very costly and potentially cause water damage to your property.

Did you know that some pipes are more likely to freeze because of where they are in your home? In fact, your pipes are at more risk for freezing if they are in unheated areas of your home, in exterior walls, or if the plumbing is located on the exterior of your home.  However, all pipes can freeze if the temperature gets cold enough.  Below are five tips to prevent your plumbing system from freezing this winter.

• • Keep The Heat On

It is important to keep the heat on in your home when you are gone for long periods of time, especially if you are leaving for more than one day.  Typically, a home should not get below 50 degrees during the winter time. Usually pipes freeze in the middle of the night when it is usually colder.

• • Allow Faucet To Drip

If you are concerned a pipe will burst, you can allow the faucet to drip slightly.  By letting your faucet drip slightly, you will relieve pressure in the system.  Relieving pressure in the system will prevent ice blockage in the pipe, making it less difficult for the pipe to freeze and burst.  You only need to leave the faucet dripping on nights when temperature is expected to drop below freezing or if you are concerned that a certain pipe might freeze.

• • Apply Heating Tape

For pipes that are easily accessible, apply electrical heating tape to keep them from becoming frozen.  This will help the pipes stay warm, while preventing the pipes from blocking up with ice.  It is important to only use manufacture approved heating tape.  You can also add an extra layer of insulation to plumbing that is on the exterior of your home or to pipes that are in spaces without heat.  Remember to take extra care of pipes that froze in previous winter months.

• • Seal Up Cracks

While you are applying heating tape to your plumbing, you should inspect your home’s foundation for cracks or small holes.  Sealing up the cracks and holes that you find can prevent cold air from encountering your pipes.

• • Open Cabinets

You can also keep your cabinet doors open to avoid your pipes from freezing.  However, most importantly, you should open the cabinets doors with sinks or plumbing in them.  You can also pull appliances and furniture slightly away from the wall to ensure proper air flow.

Remember to seal up cracks where necessary, apply heating tape to exposed pipes, and keep the heat on in your home.  Take extra precaution to pipes that have frozen in previous winter months.  If you are concerned that your pipes might freeze, then contact the plumbers of Badgerland today for a free winter inspection.