Winter is the season for cozy nights and snow-covered landscapes, but it can also bring with it many problems which can cause extensive damage to your home and property, one of the biggest being frozen water pipes. Home and business owners alike should take extra precautions to prevent water pipes from bursting or becoming clogged due to frozen water or ice expansion. As temperatures plummet, the potential for severe damage creeps in as a costly expense that can break the bank if left unchecked.
In this blog post, we will discuss methods you can use to protect your piping system against freeze-up so you won’t be stuck with an unexpected plumbing disaster during an already challenging time of year.
What are you doing that can lead to frozen pipes?
What may seem like a straightforward chore can actually put your house in jeopardy if done improperly:
Poor Insulation. When the temperature outside drops, warm air inside can escape through poorly insulated walls and gaps, leading to cold air doing what it does best – increasing the likelihood of having your pipes freeze over. How well your house is insulated can determine if your pipes will freeze or not. Insulation helps maintain a warm temperature in enclosed spaces – like wall cavities, concealed pipes and attics – so it should be checked before winter arrives.
If you do find that you need additional insulation, install it around door frames and windows, seal any drafts near outside walls, and don’t forget to insulate any exposed pipes. Additionally, open cabinet doors to allow heat to ventilate around the plumbing and keep water slowly running through exposed pipes. Lastly, adding weather strips around exterior doors will help to keep cold air from coming into contact with your pipes.
Quick drops in temperature. While most homes are designed to withstand expected seasonal fluctuations, drastic drops in temperature can cause water inside of the pipes to freeze solid. When this occurs, the pipes become blocked and unable to transport the necessary water supply.
Thermostats set too low. When thermostats are set this low, typically below 55F during cold weather, normally the temperature inside refuses to rise enough to prevent any water passing through pipes from freezing. Once frozen, the pipes may burst, resulting in significant water damage throughout the household.
Power outages and problems with the HVAC system. Power outages, especially during cold winter months, can cause temperatures to drop drastically in a home, freezing any water left in the pipes. Similarly, if the HVAC system malfunctions and is not set to the correct temperature for winter, then it can contribute to frozen pipes. In both cases, oftentimes it is simply due to a lack of proper insulation in the pipes or passive heating sources that are needed to prevent them from freezing up.
Outside Faucets. Protect outside faucets by turning off any unused faucets and outside water sources in the winter.
As Jack Frost nips at your nose, don’t forget about your humble abode’s plumbing. By following the tips in this blog post, you can prevent your pipes from freezing (and save yourself a hefty repair bill down the road). Let us know your thoughts in the comments!