Damage caused by frozen pipes can be costly and dangerous. When temperatures drop and stormy weather sets in, protecting your home's plumbing should be top of mind!
Here are a few practical steps to keep your pipes from freezing:
Insulate Exposed Pipes: One of the most effective ways to protect your pipes from freezing is to insulate them. Insulation materials, such as foam sleeves or fiberglass wraps, can be wrapped around exposed pipes in your basement, crawl spaces, or attics.
Drip Faucets to Relieve Pressure: When temperatures drop significantly, letting faucets drip is a lifesaver for your pipes. Allowing a small, steady flow of water through the pipes helps prevent them from freezing. This is particularly important for faucets located along exterior walls or in areas where the temperature tends to drop significantly. While it may seem counterintuitive to let water run, the minimal cost of the extra water is a small price to pay compared to the potential damage caused by frozen pipes. You may want to capture this water to use it for watering indoor plants!
Keep Your Thermostat on and Let Warm Air Circulate: Maintaining a consistent temperature in your home is crucial during the winter months. Set your thermostat to a temperature that keeps your living space comfortably warm, even when you're away. This helps prevent drastic temperature drops that can lead to frozen pipes. Additionally, allowing warm air to circulate by keeping interior doors open can help distribute heat more evenly, reaching areas where pipes may be susceptible to freezing.
Be Prepared! Know How to Shut Off Your Water Supply: In case of extreme cold or power outages, be prepared. Have a supply of bottled water and emergency plumbing supplies on hand. Know how to shut off the water supply to your home to prevent extensive damage if a pipe bursts.
Please reach out to us if you have questions or concerns. We are here to help!