How To Prevent Frozen Pipes

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Water can expand when it freezes. When water in a pipe freezes it will expand, when it expands beyond certain limits the pipe can burst and thus, water escapes leading to a large damage in the house. Therefore, it’s important to always make sure that there are no frozen pipes at your house; this is a precaution that homeowners should take to avoid bursting of pipes that to damages of their properties and home.

Frozen Pipes

The Following Are Precautions To Be Taken To Avoid Frozen Pipes

  1. KEEPING PIPES OUT OF SUBFREEZING TEMPERATURES.

When the heat in the water is transferred to cold air too quickly, it makes it to freeze. The water pipes are to be kept in heated spaces, away from attics or areas that are vulnerable to the outside wall. Expanding water can cause pipes to break; no matter the strength of the pipe.

Water pipes are to be placed away from; exteriors or near walls that can experience an extra breeze during the winter. The furnace location should be kept in mind, as they are not designed for temperatures below zero.

  1. LETTING COLD WATER DRIP FROM THE FAUCET.

The water temperature will rise and fall quite a bit when your pipes are exposed to cold weather; or when the pipes are about to freeze. The water pipes have a higher chance of freezing when the water is colder. Hence, cold water needs to be drip from the faucet; especially if the pipes are already frozen. A drop of water is known to prevent pipes from freezing.

  1. SEALING CRACKS AND HOLES AROUND HOME.

Utility workers can make extra holes in walls, thus ensuring that homeowners can obtain the best possible service throughout their home. If you are concerned about dropping temperatures, you can seal any cracks or holes near the water pipes. Although it is advised that one is to leave enough space for a wire to go through.

  1. KEEPING THE CABINET DOORS OPEN.

The cabinet’s doors are to be open so that the warm air circulating the room can hit the cold pipes; during the winter season. Although, this can be an inconvenience as you walk in the kitchen and in the bathroom. In case you do not want to keep all cabinets open; at least ensure that the ones below the bathroom and kitchen sinks are open.

The Following Are Extra Tips To Follow To Prevent Frozen Pipes.

  • Placing a lamp of 60- watt bulb; to warm the walls and pipes to prevent the potential problem.
  • Keeping the garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in there.
  • Running heat tapes and cables along the water pipes, thus slowing the heat transfer.
  • Ensuring that the thermostat set is kept at the same temperature, during the day and night.

What To Do If Pipes Burst.

The main water supply is to be located. This tends to be in the basement. You should then turn off the water supply to prevent any more water damage.  Then contact a plumber.