How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
In wintertime, the risk of your pipes freezing skyrockets. Frozen pipes can leave you without water and cause your pipes to burst. The good news is there are steps you can take to prevent your pipes from freezing.
Here at Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we take pride in offering a complete range of plumbing services, including frozen pipe repair, repiping, pipe replacement, and more. If you need help with winterizing your plumbing, our knowledgeable and experienced plumbers are ready to help. In today’s blog post, we will provide you with tips to prevent frozen pipes.
- Insulate Water Supply Lines and Pipes in Unheated Areas
Apply insulation to exposed water supply lines and pipes in unheated areas such as basements, crawl spaces, and attics. This protective layer helps retain heat and prevents pipes from freezing. You can call a nearby plumber to help you with pipe insulation.
- Keep the Garage Door Closed
Garages often house pipes leading to your home, and an open door lets in frigid air that can freeze nearby pipes. If water supply lines run through the garage, ensure that the garage door remains closed during cold weather. This helps maintain a higher temperature within the space and reduces the risk of pipes freezing.
Cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and utility lines act as gateways for cold air. It’s recommended to identify and seal any gaps or cracks in walls, windows, and doors. Cold air drafts can contribute to lower temperatures in vulnerable areas where pipes are located.
- Keep A Consistent Temperature
Avoid letting the temperature in your home fluctuate too much, especially when you're away. Setting your thermostat to a steady, above-freezing temperature ensures your pipes stay comfortably warm throughout. If you plan to be away during cold weather, leave the house’s temperature at no lower than 55°F.
Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses, and shut off the outdoor water supply. This prevents water from freezing in the hoses and can help protect the connected indoor pipes.
- Leave Interior Doors Ajar and Open Kitchen and Bathroom Cabinets
Allow warm air to circulate freely within your home by leaving the interior doors ajar. Also, open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to let warm air reach pipes located beneath sinks and appliances.
- Leave the Faucets Running for a While
This trick can be helpful in extremely cold weather. Letting a faucet near an exposed pipe drip slowly keeps water moving within the pipe, preventing ice formation. However, remember this can waste water, so use it strategically and only during particularly harsh cold spells.
What to Do if Your Pipes Freeze
Sometimes, your pipes can freeze despite your best efforts to keep them from freezing. If you find yourself in such a situation, you need to take the right steps to safely thaw your pipes; otherwise, you’ll end up with burst pipes. If you’re not sure how to go about the process, it’s advisable to call a nearby plumber to help you thaw frozen pipes.
Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing for Frozen Pipe Repair
Need a qualified and experienced plumber to help you fix frozen pipes? Look no further than Mr. Rooter Plumbing. We are a professional plumbing service that you can rely on for all of your plumbing needs. Whether you’re in need of pipe replacement or whole-house repiping, our plumbers are here to help. We have extensive industry experience and state-of-the-art equipment to provide you with top-notch plumbing services. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
