Cold weather can wreak havoc on your home, especially on your plumbing. When temperatures drop, water in your pipes can freeze, expand, and cause the pipes to burst, leading to costly repairs and water damage. Luckily, with a few simple preventative steps, you can protect your pipes and home.
Insulate your pipes
Pipes in unheated or exposed areas, like basements, attics, and garages, are most at risk during cold weather. Use foam pipe insulation, pipe sleeves, or heat tape to wrap your pipes.
These materials help maintain a consistent temperature, reducing the risk of freezing. If you’re unsure which pipes to insulate, focus on those near exterior walls or in drafty spaces.
Keep your home warm
Maintaining a steady indoor temperature is essential to preventing frozen pipes. Keep your thermostat at least 16°C, even when you’re not home.
The slight increase in your heating bill is a small price compared to dealing with a burst pipe. For added convenience, consider installing a programmable thermostat to maintain warmth throughout the house.
Let your faucets drip
When temperatures plummet, open your faucets just enough to let a small trickle of water run. Flowing water is less likely to freeze, and the slight movement relieves pressure in the pipes. You should focus on faucets connected to vulnerable pipes, such as those near exterior walls.
Seal up drafts
Cold air entering your home can chill nearby pipes. Inspect your home for cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and pipe entry points, and use caulk or weatherstripping to seal these areas and keep the cold air out. If pipes run through cabinets on exterior walls, open the cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around them.
Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses
Outdoor faucets and hoses are particularly susceptible to freezing. Disconnect and store your hoses before winter, and shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets. Drain any remaining water from the faucets to prevent freezing and potential damage. For extra protection, install insulated faucet covers or frost-proof spigots.
Use portable heaters safely
In especially cold areas of your home, like garages or crawl spaces, consider using a portable heater to keep the pipes warm. Make sure the heater is placed safely, away from flammable materials, and never leave it unattended. Heating cables designed for pipes are another option for providing direct warmth.
Secure your home from the perils of extreme weather
If a pipe does freeze and burst, knowing how to turn off your home’s main water supply quickly can save you thousands in water damage.
However, you should never wait for the pipes to burst before taking action. Start protecting your pipes today, and enjoy a stress-free winter, knowing your home is safe.
Contact us at Wet to Dry Restoration for a free consultation.