Tips To Prevent Plumbing Pipes From Freezing
Plumbing pipes often burst when they freeze since water expands when it freezes. A burst pipe can lead to serious water damage in the house. Every homeowner who wants to prevent such disasters should take measures to prevent pipe freezes. Below is an overview of such measures.
Avoid Cold Drafts
The outside air is typically several degrees colder than the indoor air during the cold season. The cold air from outside can easily freeze your pipe if you allow the air inside. Therefore, keep the exterior doors and windows closed to avoid cold drafts that might affect the pipes.
Allow a Faucet to Drip
Water is less likely to freeze if it is flowing. Thus, if you have identified a pipe with a high risk of freezing (for example, if the pipe lies against an exterior wall), you should allow a faucet connected to the pipe to drip. The dripping faucet will keep the water flowing along the pipe and minimize the risk of freezing.
Maintain Heating
Maintain reasonable warm temperatures in the house at all times. Many people turn down the heat when going to bed at night. While this usually saves money, you shouldn't do it if the weather is freezing because you risk pipe freeze. Having the same temperature for the day and night will prevent pipe freezes. If you plan to be away from the house, don't turn off the heat; just turn it down a bit.
Leave Cabinet Doors Open
Most kitchen and bathroom cabinets have plumbing pipes under them. What is more, the cabinets are usually constructed against the wall, which means the plumbing pipes under or behind the cabinets lie against exterior walls. Allow your warm indoor air to circulate in these cabinets by leaving the cabinets' doors open most of the time.
Ensure Adequate Sealing and Insulation
Cracks or holes on your exterior walls or roofs can allow cold air from outside to freeze your plumbing pipes. The openings typically occur around wall extrusions, such as electrical, plumbing, or communication pipes. Small openings around doors and windows can also be problematic. Seal such openings thoroughly to isolate the indoor and outdoor air.
Use Heating Tape
Consider using heating tape, especially if the temperatures are extremely low. The heating tape converts electricity to heat; the heat then warms up the pipes to prevent freezing. There are even automatic heating tapes that use sensors to turn on when the temperature falls and turns off when the temperature rises.
For more information, reach out to companies like Marcum Plumbing Services, Inc.
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