Frozen Pipe Prevention

11/2/2022 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes are something that every homeowner worries about as the winter season approaches. Each year SERVPRO Team McCabe provides water damage restoration services to many homeowners who experience this issue. There are several steps that can be taken to help prevent pipes from freezing and bursting in your home. 

Many people try to lower their heating bill while on vacation by turning the heat off while they are away. If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, and set it to a temperature no lower than 55° F. Your heating bill will still be lower than average, but it will also save you major cleanup costs after a pipe bursts in your home. 

With the heat above 55 you can also keep the open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. The heat from your home will make it nearly impossible for them to freeze. This doesn't mean you have to keep your cabinets open all winter, you can do so if you're on vacation, or even a few hours a day while home can help.  

You may also want to Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like a pipe sleeve or installing UL-listed heat tape on exposed water pipes you can get from a local hardware store. Even a small amount of newspaper can provide significant protection in areas that drop below freezing for a short period of time. It is also important to make sure that hose bibbs are turned off from the inside and opened on the outside to prevent damage to pipes.  

When the weather is very cold outside, you can let the cold water drip from the faucet connected to the exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe even at a trickle helps prevent pipes from freezing. The constant movement of water prevents the pipes from freezing. This is something that should be done especially if you are out of your home for a few days and expect the weather to drop below freezing. 

Keeping some of these tricks in mind can help prevent a major mess in your home during the winter season. Unfortunately, following these tactics does not guarantee you will not have an issue with your pipes. When disaster strikes, call SERVPRO Team McCabe.