Cold weather can be a real nightmare for homeowners, especially when it comes to the plumbing system. With temperatures dropping below freezing, even the sturdiest of pipes are susceptible to bursting, leading to costly repairs and a lot of frustration.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best ways you can protect your pipes in the winter so that you don’t have to worry about expensive repairs down the road.
There are a few things you can do to help prevent your pipes from freezing this winter:
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Insulate your pipes: This will help keep the heat in, and the cold out. You can find pipe insulation at most hardware stores.
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Let the water drip: Running water is less likely to freeze than standing water. So, if you think there is a chance your pipes might freeze, let the faucets drip overnight.
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Keep the heat on: Even if you’re going away for a few days, it’s important to keep the heat on in your home if you know the weather is going to be cold.
Cause of Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes are most commonly caused by cold weather. When water in the pipes freezes, it expands and can cause the pipes to burst. This can lead to serious damage to your home and expensive repairs.
There are a few things you can do to help prevent your pipes from freezing in the first place:
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Keep your thermostat at a consistent temperature, both during the day and at night. A sudden drop in temperature can cause your pipes to freeze.
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Open cabinet doors in kitchens and bathrooms to let warm air circulate around the plumbing.
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Seal any cracks or holes in exterior walls or around windows and doors with caulk or insulation tape.
Tips for keeping pipes warm in the Winter
There are a few things you can do to keep your pipes from freezing in the winter. First, make sure that any exposed pipes are well insulated. You can buy special foam insulation at most hardware stores. Just cut it to size and slip it over the pipe. You can also use things like newspapers or towels to insulate your pipes.
Another good tip is to keep your inside doors open during cold weather days. This will help circulate warm air around the house and keep your pipes from freezing.
If you know that the temperatures are going to dip below freezing, let a trickle of water drip from your faucets. This may seem counterintuitive, but it actually helps prevent your pipes from freezing solid. The moving water won’t be able to freeze as easily as still water.
Emergency measures if you have a frozen pipe:
If your pipes have frozen, turn on the faucet that is closest to the pipe. This will help determine whether the pipe is frozen from the faucet to the end of the pipe or if it is only frozen in a section.
If water flows out of the faucet, then most likely your ice blockage is located between the main shut-off valve and the faucet. If no water comes out of the faucet, then your entire water line may be frozen.
If you only have a small section of a frozen pipe, you can thaw it out yourself using a hair dryer or space heater. Begin by heating up the area around the pipe with either appliance and then apply direct heat to the frozen section of the pipe
Use caution when applying direct heat to avoid melting any plastic pipes. Once you have thawed out the pipe, be sure to turn on all cold water faucets in your home and run them for several minutes to clear any standing water that may have accumulated in your pipes.
If you are unable to thaw out your pipes yourself or if your entire water line is frozen, it is important to call a plumber right away. DO NOT attempt to thaw out your pipes with an open flame as this could result in serious damage to your home or injury.
Conclusion
Protecting your pipes in the winter is an important step to take if you want to avoid costly repairs down the line. By following these tips, you will be able to protect your pipes from freezing and bursting, keeping them functioning well all winter long.
If you have any other questions about how to keep your pipes safe during cold weather, contact us at ROMA Heating for professional plumbing advice and services.
