Making a snowman, drinking hot cocoa, and cuddling up in front of a roaring fire are just a few things we look forward to in the winter months. However, winter also brings with it the icy chill that can cause pipes to freeze. This issue can result in water damage and costly repair bills. This doesn’t have to be the case, though. Find out why pipes freeze and what you can do to prevent this from happening in your home.
Why Pipes Freeze
When the temperatures dip below freezing, having too little insulation or not enough heat in your home can put you at risk for frozen pipes. When water freezes, it expands and can cause the pipe to burst. Burst pipes unleash a flood of water, and the damage can be a costly nightmare.
The good news is that this scenario can often be prevented by ensuring that your home stays warm and that plumbing is protected. Areas of the home that are the most vulnerable to the cold are basements, attics, and crawl spaces. Outdoor faucets, as well as exposed pipes, are also at risk of freezing.
Possible Signs of Freezing
Sometimes you will be fortunate enough to spot clues that a pipe is at risk of bursting or cracking. Watching for signs of potential freezing can help identify problems before they become worse.
Here’s a list of warning signs that you should keep an eye out for:
- Reduced water flow
- No water
- Whistling or gurgling noises
- Frost on pipes
- Visible cracks or leaks
- Fluctuating water temperatures
- An unexpected increase in water bills
Preventative Measures
Before winter officially hits, you should focus your efforts on creating a protective barrier around your pipes to keep them protected from the cold.
The tips outlined below will help prevent frozen pipes.
Insulate Vulnerable Areas
Crawl spaces, attics, and basements are three areas that are often overlooked when it comes to insulation. Make sure to have a good, thick layer of insulation in these areas to block out the cold air from creeping in. Wrap exposed pipes in insulating covers or with heat tape.
Seal Cracks and Crevices
Hunt down sneaky drafts and seal them up. Tiny cracks can be a major source of drafts. They occur around window and door frames, as well as around window air conditioners and around your foundation. One way to stop this is by sealing cracks and crevices with silicone caulk and weather stripping.
Don’t Forget the Garage
If your garage is attached to your home, ensure it is well-insulated. Consider insulating garage doors and any pipes that exist in the garage.
Set the Thermostat
Before you leave the house, set your thermostat to a temperature that is warm enough to keep away the icy cold air. The U.S. Department of Energy suggests keeping your thermostat at 68 degrees or higher when you’re home and 55 to 60 degrees when you leave. Don’t go too low, as its not worth the risk of developing freezing pipes to save a few dollars on your energy bill.
Open Cabinet Doors
Opening cabinet doors under the sinks in the kitchen and bathroom can promote better air circulation and keep the pipes warm. The heat from nearby living spaces will circulate in and around the pipes to chase away drafts and cold air.
Smart Home Devices
Invest in smart home technology that allows you to monitor and control your home’s temperature remotely. Bluetooth apps can help you stay on top of your home situation.
Ask a Neighbor for Help
If you have a close friend or neighbor that you trust, ask them to check on your home while you’re gone for extended periods of time. Flushing the toilets, running water down the sinks, and running the bathtub faucets for a few minutes now and again will keep things flowing to prevent ice buildup in the pipes.
Winterize Your Outdoor Faucets
Before winter arrives, make sure to turn off the water to your outdoor faucets and disconnect garden hoses. You can also get faucet covers for your outdoor spigots that will retain the heat from the pipes to keep them warm.
Drip Faucets
A dripping faucet is normally not something you want because of water waste, but in this case, it may help keep your pipes from freezing. One drop at a time is all you need to keep the water in the pipes moving. When water is moving, it is less likely to freeze.
What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze
If you missed the opportunity to prepare and woke up to discover your pipes froze during the night, stay calm. There are things you can do to try to correct the situation. First, locate your main water shut-off valve and turn the water off so there isn’t any new water moving into the pipes or creating any kind of water pressure inside of your plumbing system.
Next, try to slowly warm the area where the pipes are frozen. You can use a small portable heater a good distance from the pipes, a heating pad, a hair dryer, or towels warmed in the dryer for a few minutes to gradually thaw the pipes. The goal is to create a slow thaw rather than adding too much heat at one time.
Once the pipes have thawed, you can safely turn the water back on. If you notice any leaks after the water is restored, call a plumber for necessary plumbing inspections and repairs.
It is beneficial to keep extra insulation on hand for quick fixes. If you haven’t wrapped your pipes, before the next freeze is the perfect time to take action.
Wrap Up
Every precaution you take, from wrapping pipes in insulation to disconnecting outdoor faucets, contributes to fortifying your plumbing system. Keeping your home warm and protected from the cold goes a long way toward preventing plumbing emergencies like frozen pipes and water damage from burst pipes.
If you need plumbing repair or would like more tips to keep you comfortable and safe this winter, contact us at Hunt’s Services. If you reside in the Tacoma or Puget Sound areas, we are your go-to for all things plumbing. Our skilled plumbers can thaw frozen pipes, repair leaks, and clean your sewer drains. We would be happy to help you determine what kind of preventive action is necessary to protect your pipes for the upcoming cold weather season.
Besides plumbing, we also offer heating, cooling, and electrical services. If you need a ceiling fan installed or your furnace repaired, give us a call. We have a team of technicians who are ready to solve any heating or cooling problems you may have.
Together, we can turn your home into a cozy haven, ensuring that every part of it is comfortable and functional. Whether it’s a chilly winter night or a scorching summer day, our dedicated team is here to make your living space the ideal retreat. Contact us today to schedule an inspection or a repair.
