Simple Ways to Protect a Home’s Pipes From Dropping Temperatures
Since most of a home’s plumbing system is tucked between walls or underground, homeowners may not think they can prevent freezing pipes beyond allowing water to drip from the faucet. Moving water, after all, is less likely to freeze. Fortunately, people do not have to leave the possibility of a pipe bursting completely to fate. There are several steps that individuals can take to help prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
The article describes three easy tips that will take little time but likely prevent a much bigger, more expensive, and more time-consuming problem.
Take Time to Insulate Exposed Pipes
Insulating pipes is a fairly easy process that only needs to be done on pipes more likely to be exposed to temperature extremes. These pipes are the ones that are found in the following locations:
- Under sinks
- In crawl spaces
- In unfinished basements
- In attics
Anywhere pipes are exposed, they are more likely to freeze. Pipe insulation is a split tube of foam that can be easily slipped onto a pipe and secured with duct tape or other weatherproof tape. The foam merely needs to be cut to the proper length to insulate pipes, and it must be flexible so it can be secured around bends in the pipes’ structure.
Maintain Consistent Temperatures and Open Cabinet Doors
What could be worse than pipes freezing? The answer is pipes freezing while the homeowners are away. That is why keeping the heat running even when the household is absent is important. Leaving cabinet doors open is also helpful when temperatures drop, whether people are home or not. Here are some of the reasons:
- Better Circulation: Heat can better reach those pipes hiding under the sink and in the walls when the cabinets are open.
- Fewer Extremes: Fewer temperature extremes mean less likelihood of frozen pipes.
- Less Expense: While a homeowner may want to save on heating bills, a slightly higher bill will be much more palatable than a plumbing bill from repairing those pipes.
- Peace of Mind: When a homeowner follows these tips, they can rest assured that they have done everything possible to prevent a burst pipe.
Cover Hose Bibs
One of the chinks in the proverbial armor of a home is outdoor faucets and hoses. As they are exposed to the elements, they can suck the heat right out of pipes and cause a freeze and pipe bursting. One of the best ways to winterize your faucets is to remove the hose from the outdoor faucet or hose bib, drain any excess water from the hose, and store it.
A homeowner can also purchase an inexpensive cap or hose bib cover to slide over the faucet and insulate it against the cold. This is a bit like caulking the edges of windows. It is unnecessary, but it makes a great difference if a sudden temperature drops.
About Plumb Perfect Plumbing
Licensed and bonded Plumb Perfect Plumbing has highly trained technicians and 20 years of experience in the business, offering various financing options. Their team is A+-rated and BBB-accredited, consisting of polite and professional plumbers. Call today for fast, friendly burst pipe repair service in Fredericksburg, VA, and the surrounding communities.
