With winter comes the risk of frozen pipes — a common but preventable household issue. If you’ve ever dealt with a burst pipe due to freezing temperatures, you know it’s not only inconvenient but can also be costly. However, with some knowledge and preparation, you can protect your home and avoid the headaches and expenses associated with frozen pipes.
In this blog, we’ll share essential tips on how to prevent frozen pipes and keep your home safe and warm this winter.
Understanding the Risks of Frozen Pipes
Before diving into tips to prevent frozen pipes, it’s crucial to understand why pipes freeze and the potential damage they can cause. When water in pipes freezes, it expands, putting immense pressure on the pipes. This can lead to cracks or even burst pipes, resulting in water damage to your home. Pipes located in unheated interior spaces like basements, attics, and garages, as well as pipes running through exterior walls and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets, are particularly vulnerable.
1. Keep Your Home Warm
The first line of defense against frozen pipes is maintaining a warm environment in your home. Even in extremely cold weather, keeping your house at a consistent temperature day and night can prevent pipes from freezing. Don’t turn off the heat when you leave the house; instead, keep it set to at least 55°F. Open the doors to kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. This is especially important if your cabinets are on an exterior wall.
2. Insulate Vulnerable Pipes
When discussing tips to prevent frozen pipes, we have to mention the importance of proper insulation. Insulate pipes in crawl spaces, attics, and near exterior walls with pipe insulation or heating tape. This extra layer provides a barrier against the cold and can be crucial in keeping your pipes warm. Pay special attention to exposed pipes, as they are the most susceptible to freezing.
3. Seal Up Cracks and Holes
Seal any holes or cracks near pipes, especially where utilities enter your home. Even small openings can let in enough cold air to freeze a pipe. Use caulk or insulation to seal these gaps, both on the interior and exterior sides of the wall. This not only prevents frozen pipes but also improves your home’s overall energy efficiency.
4. Let Faucets Drip and Drain Outdoor Lines
Allowing a trickle of water to run from the faucets can prevent pipes from freezing. Even a slight flow of water can relieve pressure and prevent pipes from bursting if they do freeze. Also, before the temperatures drop, drain water from swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and outdoor hose bibs. Remember to close the inside valves supplying these outdoor lines and open the outside valves to allow water to drain.
5. Be Prepared for Cold Snaps
During extreme cold snaps, take additional precautions. Keep garage doors closed to maintain warmer temperatures for water supply lines located there. If you’ll be away from home during a cold snap, consider shutting off and draining your water system. Always know where your main shutoff valve is located in case of an emergency.
When to Call a Professional
Despite your best efforts using tips to prevent frozen pipes, sometimes the seemingly impossible happens — sometimes pipes still freeze. If you suspect a frozen pipe, it’s essential to act quickly. Thawing a pipe as soon as possible can prevent it from bursting. You can try to thaw the pipe using a hair dryer, heat lamp, or electric heating pad. However, avoid using open flames or flammable materials. If you’re unable to thaw the pipe, or if it has already burst, it’s time to call a licensed plumber.
Apollo Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing: Your Go-To for Frozen Pipe Repair
If you’re facing frozen or burst pipes, don’t hesitate to call Apollo Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing, your trusted plumbers in Akron, OH, and the surrounding areas. We specialize in frozen pipe repair and are equipped to handle any plumbing emergency.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
Preventing frozen pipes is an essential part of winter home maintenance. By following these tips, you can avoid the inconvenience and expense of dealing with burst pipes. Remember, keeping your home warm, insulating your pipes, sealing gaps, letting faucets drip, and being prepared for cold snaps are key strategies in preventing frozen pipes. And if you need professional help, Apollo Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing is just a call away.
It’s incredibly helpful to know how to prevent frozen pipes, but if you find yourself needing a repair, be assured we can help. Don’t let frozen pipes disrupt your winter. Take action now to protect your home and enjoy a worry-free season. Contact us today for your frozen pipe repair services!
