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Freezing pipes can spell disaster for not only your plumbing but potentially your entire home too. When pipes freeze over, they can rupture and, eventually, cause water damage. But this can all be preventable with preparation and practical precautions.
Save yourself a couple thousand dollars in water damage repairs by prepping your plumbing for the frigid temperatures of winter. Here are some of the best ways to prevent your pipes from freezing.
KEEP THE GARAGE DOOR CLOSED
You can usually find water supply lines housed in your garage. If you leave the garage doors open and allow for the cold winter air to come in, you run the risk of freezing those supply lines. This could be a disastrous situation if these pipes burst. Be sure to keep your garage closed as much as possible.
PERFORM A SPRINKLER SYSTEM BLOW OUT
Often times, stagnant water will linger behind in the pipes and tubing of a sprinkler (irrigation) system long after its last use of the summer. Ruptured zone tubing will only be a problem when the water is running. But a burst pipe at the main water supply line could lead to major water damage in your home.
It’s important to evacuate any remaining moisture in your system. This is typically done by attaching an air compressor to the system and literally blowing out any water that may be left behind.
If you need assistance performing a sprinkler system blowout in Northern Colorado, give To the T Plumbing a shout! We’ll be happy to help you winterize your pipes.
KEEP CABINET DOORS OPEN
The piping under your kitchen or bathroom sink can be especially vulnerable to freezing if they’re situated against an external wall. On cold days, keep the cabinet doors open to maintain warm airflow through the area. This can help prevent them from freezing.
MAINTAIN A WARM TEMPERATURE IN YOUR HOME
Just as it’s important for your cabinet to maintain warm airflow, it’s helpful to keep your entire house at a proper temperature too. As tempting as it is to turn the temperature down while you’re away to save money, try keeping your heater on. Be sure to keep your home around at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
ADD INSULATION TO TROUBLE AREAS
As a long term solution, you could add insulation to your home to fend off the freezing temperatures. Attics, crawlspaces, and basements tend to lack proper insulation. This can be problematic during the winter months since pipes are often housed in these spaces. Protect them by sealing up any potential air leaks.
You can also add insulation directly to your piping. Focus particularly on pipes in unheated parts of your home. You can also add insulation to pipes outside of your home. Envelop the pipes in pipe wrap or a foam pipe sleeve. You can also add an insulating cover to your outdoor spigot.
LET YOUR FAUCETS DRIP
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Allowing your faucets to slowly drip throughout your home will keep water flowing through the pipes. This is a simple yet effective solution to preventing pipes from freezing when it cold outside.
CALL A PLUMBER IF YOU FIND A FROZEN PIPE
Whether you can visibly see a frozen pipe or you’re experiencing low water pressure, a plumber can help assess your situation. They can patch up any potential leaks and get your system running smoothly in no time.
If you’re in the Northern Colorado area, To the T Plumbing & Heating is here for all your plumbing needs! Family-owned & operated, we care for our customers and strive to make each appointment a positive experience.