How to Prevent Plumbing Pipes from Freezing Over
Inspecting the plumbing pipes both inside and outside your house should be part of routine home maintenance. However, the risk of pipes bursting or sustaining considerable damages increases significantly during winter months. The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) states that property damage due to the frigid temperature costs homeowners around $5,000 in water damages.
To keep your pipes (and home!) safe from water damages, in this blog, we’ll present a small guide on how to prevent your plumbing pipes from freezing over.
Leave the Tap Running
For pipes that lack insulation and are at risk of freezing, open the faucet that’s connected to the pipe. Pipes that burst during the winter season do so due to a buildup of pressure within the system. Opening the faucet prevents this buildup and is a far cheaper alternative to pipe replacement.
Keep the Heater On
If you or your tenant plans on leaving the house for an extended period, make sure to keep the heater running. This keeps the pipes from freezing by maintaining a relatively stable temperature indoors. Don’t worry about the utility bills, the property damages resulting from potential pipe bursts will cost way more than a temporary spike in utility bills.
The heat doesn’t need to be set too high; anything above 50 F is enough to keep the water inside the pipes from freezing over.
Add a Layer of Insulation
Pipes in the attic, basement, or garage lack adequate protection from the cold and need a layer of insulation to protect them from damage. Begin by wrapping pipes with foam rubber insulation and double-check to make sure there aren’t any gaps in between. Ensure that the foam is dry and secure it with duct tape.
If the temperature gets below freezing, open all the closets, doors, or cabinets with plumbing during night time. This allows warmer air to come into contact with the pipes and prevents freezing.
Use Heating Tape
Heating tape is an excellent tool to keep plumbing pipes safe from the cold. It provides a direct supply of heat that acts like an electric blanket. These pipes are of two main types: ones that turn on automatically when the temperature drops below a certain point and the other that require manual activation. Similar to a space heater, heating tape is dangerous and buyers must follow the safety procedures listed in the manual.
With the winter season almost here, it’s highly advisable to get your pipes inspected by qualified plumbers. Pro Serve Plumbing offers a range of plumbing services in Boyd, Texas and is your go-to plumbing company!
Get in touch with us today for more information.
