How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

With the cold weather creeping in, it is important to remember that frozen pipes are all too common during this season. Freezing temperatures cause pipes to contract while simultaneously causing water within those pipes to turn into ice and expand. The increased pressure within the pipes make them that much more prone to cracking and bursting. Even a small 1/8-inch crack can cause a release of over 250 gallons of water per day. You do not want to deal with the aftermath of such a situation, especially during the cold months of winter. Neighborhood Plumbing is always ready to help you clean up such a mess, but in this article we will help you learn ways to prevent frozen pipes in the first place.

Temporary Solutions

There is no way to control the weather, but you can take measures to protect your pipes from such weather. These are some temporary solutions that you can quickly take when you expect temperatures to drop:

• Let your faucets drip if the meteorologist says freezing temperatures are expected. Open both the hot and cold faucets in your home to allow just a slow, constant drip. This will keep water flowing and reduce pressure in the pipes.
• Protect outdoor faucets by disconnecting hoses and attaching faucet covers to keep them warm and cozy.
• Open cabinet doors to allow warm air to reach exposed pipes inside said cabinets.
• Keep your thermostat running around at least 50 degrees even if you are planning to leave town. A warm house means warm pipes.
• Just like keeping cabinet doors open allows warm air to flow, opening air vents avoids cold zones. Keep the air vents open so warm air circulates well.
• Use a hair dryer on a low setting to defrost any ice you see on exposed pipes.

Permanent Ways to Protect Pipes

The previous section had temporary and quick fixes, but long-term solutions will provide more protection and a better peace of mind. Implement these steps before the winter season comes around:

• Insulate your crawl space. This area is generally filled with exposed pipes and ducts.
• Consider replacing conventional faucets with frost-proof ones to add an extra layer of protection.
• Re-route pipes that travel through the coldest parts of your home.
• Insulate walls, especially exterior walls that house vital pipes.
• Repair holes and cracks in the walls to prevent the cold air from reaching the pipes within those walls. Use caulk or spray foam insulation to fill gaps, cracks, and holes.

Hire the Professionals

This short summary of ways to keep pipes warm only goes so far. If you want reliable protection, then we recommend hiring a certified plumber from the professionals at Neighborhood Plumbing. Our experts are regularly trained and fully equipped to inspect, evaluate, and diagnose your system. We are prepared to fix and repair any problems the first time around. Call now or anytime. Neighborhood Plumbing is proud to be available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.