As winter knocks on the door, the temperatures keep decreasing and the days become short. The countdown to the first snow begins as the leaves begin to fall, and homeowners begin winterizing their homes.
Pipes that freeze and burst are typical and costly affairs for many individuals. Ruptured pipes are one of the most prevalent sources of property damage during the winter, and the costs to fix it surpass $5000 or more.
However, you may take efforts to avoid ice jams and frozen pipes, as well as to preserve your water systems. Although keeping your pipes warm during the winter may increase your heating expense, the inconvenience is well worth preventing the frustration of a burst water line.
Check out a few of the tips that can be really helpful for you in this case!
1. Open Drawers and Cabinets
Open your bathroom and kitchen cabinets on a regular basis to maintain warm air circulating around the pipes. The hot air will assist prevent ice build-up in the pipes as well as pressure build-up.
If you’re expecting a particularly chilly night, opening your cabinets before bed will help keep your pipes clear and toasty despite the cold.
If you have small children or pets, make sure all household chemicals or dangerous cleaners are removed from cabinets before leaving them open.
2. Pipe Insulation
Investing in specially engineered pipe insulation is the best method to keep your pipes from freezing. Pipe insulation is frequently very affordable, and it is a tiny expenditure when compared to the costs of repairing a burst water pipe.
Pay special attention to pipes in unheated interior rooms of your home, such as your attic, garage, or basement, when insulating your water system. Fiberglass, polyethylene, and foam are the most prevalent types of pipe insulation.
If cold weather is forecasted and you require emergency insulation, duct tape, and wadded-up newspaper can be used as a temporary solution. On Reece Plumbing and Bathrooms, you can find all the plumbing appliances you need at your disposal.
3. Keep the Thermostat on
Keeping your thermostat set to the same temperature during the day and night is one of the greatest strategies to avoid ice blockages.
While many homeowners lower their thermostats in the evening to save money on their heating bills, this technique could backfire if a pipe bursts, like a burst pipe, is considerably more expensive than a little higher bill.
Instead, attempt to keep your thermostat at the same temperature throughout the day and night. Avoid any rapid changes in your home’s atmosphere because stable temperatures will assist maintain your pipes clear of ice.
4. Use Heating Tape
You can apply electrical heating tape straight to the pipe to assist it to retain heat in conveniently accessible piping systems. This is especially useful for pipes located in unheated or outside areas, such as cold attics or basements.
You can choose between two types of heating tape: self-monitoring and manual. The first type of heating tape features a sensor that detects when the pipe requires more heat and turns on and off accordingly. When using manual heating tape, you must plug it in whenever heat is required and unhook it after the pipe has reached the desired temperature.
The use of electrical heating tape might be hazardous. When applying it to your pipe systems, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety measures.
5. Allow the Faucet to Drip for a While
If you are concerned that a pipe will freeze, open the faucet that is supplied by that pipe just a little to allow the faucet to drip slightly. The pressure in the system is relieved by leaving the faucet open like this.
When a pipe freezes, it is the pressure that builds up between the blockage and the faucet that causes the pipe to break. Allowing the faucet to run will keep the pressure from building up and the pipe from bursting.
Over to You…
Even if your pipes are winterized, a severe cold spell might cause them to freeze and explode. While you may assume that the leak would be readily repaired, a burst water system almost always results in major and costly damage.
So, use these tips to keep the pipes safe from freezing and save yourself a fortune!
