How to Keep Your Pipes from Freezing!

12/15/2016 (Permalink)

As we begin getting below freezing temperatures we need make sure we are following the steps to keep our pipes from freezing. Remember, when water freezes it expands which will cause a pipe to crack. When the pipe thaws water will leak from the pipe. A small pipe can allow up to 250 gallons of water to leak out over the course of one day. Larger pipes will allow more water to spew out. This amount of water can cause a hefty amount of damage to your home or business.

There are some steps we should take to keep pipes from freezing…

First of all, all outside hoses and pipes should be drained and unhooked. These hoses should be properly stored away for the winter.

Make sure to keep garage doors shut. You may want to purchase a window and door insulator kit   (http://www.homedepot.com/p/3M-84-in-x-112-in-Indoor-Patio-Door-Window-Insulator-Kit-2144-EP/100143375). This will help keep your home warmer and better insulated from doors and windows which may leak air.

Seal any openings in your home where cold air may get in. You may want to get an expandable calk to help seal any openings.

Properly insulate pipes in attics and crawl spaces. These are areas that are usually unheated, and therefore have the most likelihood of having frozen pipes. Check what grade of insulation is recommended for your area. https://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=diy.diy_attic_insulation

When your area is experiencing freezing temperatures, make sure to leave cabinet doors open that lead to pipes. This way, the cabinets are exposed to the same about of heat as the rest of your home. Turn your faucets on so that they slowly drip water. This will keep water flowing through the pipes. You will be able to tell if the pipes stop dripping, there is probably ice blocking the pipe.

Leave the heat set to one temperature. This will surely cost you money to leave your heat at one temperature rather than turning the heat down at night or when you’re not home. However, it will stop areas of the home with plumbing from getting too cold and allowing pipes to freeze.