Frozen pipes are a frequent occurrence during cold winter months. When pipes freeze, water in the pipes will expand and create additional pressure that results in ruptured pipes. A flood might occur if you don't detect a leak from a damaged pipe early enough or fail to shut off the water in good time. Your home could suffer extensive water damage as a result.
Check out some approaches you can use to prevent frozen pipes.
Insulate the Pipes
For starters, you should insulate all the water pipes in unconditioned sections of the house such as the garage, attic, and basements. Insulation lowers heat loss and also prevents frozen pipes when temperatures plummet. You can fit your pipes with fiberglass sleeves or foam rubber to maintain the correct temperatures in the pipes to prevent freezing. Pipe insulation, however, is less effective if the areas around the pipe remain bitterly cold. So, ensure that you also insulate the walls and ceilings to maintain warmth around the pipes.
Also, don't forget to insulate the pipe gaps as well. These gaps allow heat loss, especially where water pipes are near the exterior and interior walls. Seal these gaps with foam insulation or caulk to contain warm air and prevent ice blockage in the pipes.
Let Interior Faucets Drip
When the temperatures get colder than normal, you can leave all the taps connected to the exposed piping slightly open. The friction from the dripping water generates heat that raises the pipe's internal temperature, which makes it hard for the water to freeze.
With this strategy, very few ice blockages form in your water pipes. Moreover, the heat generated by running water relieves the pressure created by any blockages. This way, your pipes will not burst under extreme conditions.
Rather than letting the dripping water flow down the drains, you can set up containers beneath the faucets. You may then use the collected water to water your plants or do other house chores. This step is particularly essential if your area has issues with water shortage.
Keep the Thermostat Consistent
While you can turn your thermostat down at night to save on energy costs, you risk damage to your plumbing when you do so. Frigid conditions can cause ice blockages and ultimately burst your pipes. When pipes burst, water damage ensues. You'd have to incur extensive pipe repair and replacement costs as a result.
Instead, keep the temperature settings on your thermostat consistent around the clock. With steady temperatures in your home, your pipes will stay in good working condition regardless of the weather conditions outside. But if you notice any frozen pipes in your home, reach out to an emergency plumber to help prevent further damage.
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