As temperatures worldwide continue to change and affect us all differently, Dallas has experienced low temperatures come winter time. That’s why we here at Metro-Flow Plumbing think that it is always better to be prepared than sorry. For this very same reason we are going to discuss 7 ways to prevent frozen pipes this winter.
One of the most dreaded home problems during winter time is finding frozen pipes. Frozen pipes can lead to costly repairs, and in some cases, even cause flooding if they burst. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to help prevent your pipes from freezing.
First, make sure that all exposed pipes are well insulated. This will help to keep them warm, even when the temperature outside plummets. Second, let your faucets drip overnight. This may seem like a waste of water, but it can actually help to prevent your pipes from freezing by relieving pressure build-up. Finally, keep your heating system turned on, even when you’re not home. This will help to maintain a consistent temperature in your home, which will reduce the risk of your pipes freezing. By taking these simple steps, you can help to prevent frozen pipes and the costly damage they can cause.
Below we share more tips and get into detail on how to prevent your pipes from freezing this winter.
1. Keep your house warm – One of the main reasons pipes freeze is because of cold temperatures outside. Keeping your thermostat at a consistent temperature inside will help to prevent frozen pipes.
You may also want to open cabinet doors to allow heat to reach pipes underneath sinks and vanities. If you will be away from home for an extended period of time, set your thermostat to a higher temperature or shut it off completely. Also, make sure to drain all water lines before you leave so they don’t freeze and in turn burst under the extreme cold.
2. Insulate exposed pipes – Any pipes that are exposed to cold air should be properly insulated in order to prevent freezing. You can purchase pre-slit foam pipe insulation at most hardware stores and easily wrap them around your exposed pipes.
Frozen pipes are a common problem during the winter months. When water freezes, it expands, and this can cause the pipes to burst. This can lead to costly repairs and extensive water damage. If you live in an area where the temperatures routinely drop below freezing, you may also want to purchase a pipe heating cable. These cables can be wrapped around the exposed pipes and plugged into an outlet, providing additional warmth and protection against freezing.
3. Let faucets drip – During cold weather, it is recommended that you allow your faucets to drip a little bit in order overnight to keep water moving through the pipes. This will help to prevent water from sitting in the pipe and freezing.
If you do end up with a frozen pipe, it’s important to thaw it out as soon as possible. You can do this by using a hairdryer or by placing a hot towel on the frozen area. Once the pipe has thawed, be sure to turn off the water and call a plumber if there is any damage. By taking these simple steps, you can help to prevent your pipes from freezing and most importantly bursting during extreme cold weather.
4. Keep cabinet doors open – During cold snaps, open up the doors to any cabinets that contain plumbing so that heat can reach the pipes and prevent them from freezing.
Cold snaps can be brutal, and one of the last things you want is for your pipes to freeze. Water expands when it freezes, which can cause pipes to burst and lead to expensive repairs. To help prevent your pipes from freezing during a cold snap, open up the doors to any cabinets that contain plumbing (for example, under your sink). This will allow heat to reach the pipes and help keep them from freezing.
5. Seal up cracks and holes – Take a look around the outside of your home and seal up any cracks or holes that you may find. Cold air can seep into your home through these cracks and cause the temperature inside to drop, which can then lead to frozen pipes.
By sealing up these cracks and holes, you’ll be able to keep the cold air out and the warmth in, which will help to prevent your pipes from freezing. You can use caulk or weatherstripping to seal up any cracks or holes that you find, and you can also insulate your pipes to further reduce the risk of them freezing.
6. Disconnect hoses – Disconnect any garden hoses from your outdoor faucets and drain any remaining water from the hose before storing it away for the winter. This is because leaving a garden hose connected to an outdoor faucet can cause the outdoor faucet itself to freeze and break. Not to mention you’ll also ruin a perfectly good hose for the same reason. So, be sure to disconnect your garden hoses and drain them before the cold weather sets in.
7. Add an extra layer of protection – One of the best ways to prevent your pipes from freezing is to invest in a heat tape or heat cable kit. You can find these kits at most hardware stores, and they provide an extra layer of protection against the cold. To use a heat tape or heat cable, simply wrap it around your exposed pipes and plug it in. The tape or cable will then emit enough heat to keep the pipe from freezing, even in extremely cold temperatures. Just be sure to follow all instructions carefully when using these products, as improper installation can lead to serious issues. By taking this extra step, you can help ensure that your pipes will stay safe and operational all winter long.
These are just a few simple tips that you can follow in order to help prevent your pipes from freezing this winter season! By taking some precautionary measures now, you can save yourself a lot of time, money, and stress later on down the road.
Stay warm and safe this winter! Remember, Metro-Flow Plumbing is here to assist you with any problems that may arise this winter. We hope everyone had a great beginning to the year and we wish you all the best this coming year. Give us a call today at 214-328-7371 and our team will guide you from there. From our family here at Metro-Flow Plumbing to yours, see you next time Dallas!
