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How To Prepare Pipes For Frigid Temperatures


Heating

5 Ways To Prevent Pipes From Freezing

Did you know that pipe bursts are among the leading causes of property damage in the winter? What if we told you they can quickly and easily rack up the property damage total — in lots of cases totaling $5,000 or more? Well, the good news is there are a few things you can do to prepare your plumbing system for frigid temperatures, and most of them won’t cost you much at all. See below to find out what you can do now to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting this season:

1 – Close The Garage Door

Most garages are not insulated and that can be a problem in itself. Since water lines commonly run through this area of the house, there’s a major risk of these exposed pipes freezing when temperatures drop. The least you can do is keep the garage door closed as often as possible to try to hang onto any and all heat that seeps into the garage.

2 – Use Pipe Insulation

Take a look around the house for any pipes that might be located in the attic, garage or crawl space. Since these pipes are exposed to much colder temperatures than the rest of the house, it’s vital to insulate them.

We suggest wrapping these exposed pipes with foam or fiberglass or if you want to be extra cautious, heat tape or heat cables. Always be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing pipe insulation.

3 – Winterize Your Home

If you haven’t done so already, disconnect your garden hose(s) and drain any remaining water that might be in the line. Turn off the water supply to any outdoor spigots.

4 – Open Cabinet Doors

It’s a good idea to leave cabinet doors in the bathroom and the kitchen open, but you only need to do so for cabinets containing pipes. This will allow the warm air circulating throughout the house to flow through the cabinets as well which can help prevent these pipes from freezing.

Pro Tip: if you have small children or pets, be sure to relocate harmful cleaning products or other chemicals that could become major hazards.

5 – Avoid Drastic Thermostat Setting Fluctuations

It’s common for homeowners to set lower temperatures during the day or night, or while they are not home, in order to save a few bucks on heating costs during the colder months. While this certainly can help, it’s not necessarily a great idea to experiment when temperatures drop below freezing. You’re better off leaving it at a constant temperature day and night if possible and remember never to set it below 55°F at any point during the winter months.

What To Do If You Notice A Frozen Pipe

If you suspect you have a frozen pipe on your hands, it’s always best to call in a plumber right away. You may want to refrain from trying to thaw it out yourself because if there are any small cracks in the pipe already, you run the risk of flooding your home as the ice begins to melt and water starts flowing again.

However, if you’re certain you caught the freeze in the nick of time, turn on a nearby faucet and apply heat to the frozen section of piping. You can do so by wrapping it with a heating pad or blanket or by using a hair dryer. Stay away from using anything with an open flame such as a blow torch, a candle or a lighter as these items could cause more harm than good.

Pipe Repair in Rigby

When you need pipe repair in Idaho Falls, ID, you can put your trust in the team of trained technicians at Advanced Home Services. Pipe repair is a job for a professional so that the precise location of the leak can be identified quickly and so that you can feel more confident that the pipe is properly sealed. Reduce water damage by contacting our team ASAP, whether you notice a tiny drip or a burst pipe, or if you suspect a hidden pipe leak underneath your property.

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