3 Ways To Prevent Pipes From Freezing

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

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Three Ways To Keep Your Pipes From Freezing

Freezing weather can cause a pipe to burst and result in serious damage to a home. Pipes may freeze in any climate. Homes in warmer climates could be more likely to have frozen pipes due to the design of the plumbing and insufficient insulation. It is a good idea to determine the risk that a pipe will freeze and take these three preventative measures ahead of time.

1. Run the Heat

Heating a residence can help to prevent a pipe freeze. Maintain a comfortable temperature while residents are at home. If you leave for an outing or trip, be sure to maintain an interior temperature of at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

It can also be a good idea to keep cabinet and other interior doors open so that pipes are warmed by the heat in the home. The one exception to this rule is the door to an attached garage, which should be kept closed. You may still run the risk of frozen exterior pipes or pipes that run through uninsulated space.

2. Drip the Faucet

Another effective way to prevent frozen pipes is to allow a faucet to drip slightly. This relieves pressure in the plumbing. Pipe bursts occur due to pressure building up between a blockage in the line and the faucet. Even if a pipe freezes, the pressure will not accumulate and pipes should not burst.

3. Seal and Insulate

Cracks or holes in building materials can expose pipes to freezing temperatures. Fill in breaches on interior and exterior walls. You may also want to add more insulation around exposed pipes or wrap these pipes with heating tape.

These three methods to prevent frozen pipes focus on keeping pipes relatively warm and relieving a potential pressure build-up. If a pipe bursts in a residence in Graham, WA, contact a water damage restoration firm as soon as possible.