Prevent Pipes from Freezing
Frozen pipes are just as inconvenient as a broken heating system during winter. Fortunately, you can learn how to prevent pipes from freezing and avoid the frustration of a burst pipe using a few tried-and-true tips.
At Advantage Plumbing & Sewer Co., our plumbing professionals in Bartlett, IL, understand the inconveniences of frozen pipes, so we created the ultimate guide to preventing pipes from freezing.
Read on for everything you need to know about keeping your pipes in working order during the winter. For more information on frozen pipes or to schedule a service call, please contact our Advantage Plumbing & Sewer Co. team today at (847) 268-3553.
10 Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes
It doesn’t take much time or effort to keep your pipes from freezing. Ideally, you should begin preparing your pipes for winter before temperatures get too cold, though. The ten following tips will help you avoid the hassle of dealing with freezing pipes and prevent a burst.
1. Let Faucets Drip
Leaving faucets running is one of the simplest ways to keep pipes from freezing. Running water doesn’t freeze as easily because its moving particles create a small amount of heat. However, you’ll need to determine which faucets have exposed piping and set them to drip during frigid winter weather for optimum results.
Otherwise, your frozen pipes may burst. Piping running through exterior walls is most at risk. Even a tiny amount of water running through exposed pipes will go a long way in releasing pressure from ice and preventing a burst.
2. Open Cabinet Doors
Opening cabinet doors under the sink may also prevent plumbing from freezing. Warm indoor air will keep pipes warm enough to prevent water from freezing without increasing your water bill.
You don’t have to keep your cabinets open all the time, either. Instead, allow air to circulate the pipes for a few minutes before bed to reduce the risk of freezing.
3. Leave the Heat On
Pipes often freeze when homeowners are away from home. By leaving the heat on while you’re not home, you can avoid returning to burst pipes. Despite a slightly higher heating bill, you’ll save money in the long run by preventing costly plumbing repairs.
Some indoor heating systems aren’t enough to help your pipes stay warm, though. In that case, you can use space heaters in your kitchen and bathrooms to ensure that your pipes don’t freeze. Additionally, heating only the necessary areas of your home will help cut down on energy costs.
4. Get Proper Insulation
Preparing your pipes with insulation before cold weather hits is one of the most effective ways to protect them. Homeowners can purchase pipe insulation for a fraction of the cost of a pipe repair.
You’ll need to apply insulation in all the unheated areas of your home, including the garage. Newspapers can serve as temporary insulation on a budget, and self-detecting or manual heating tape can also provide a suitable alternative to insulation.
5. Seal Cracks
Cold air gets into your home through the smallest cracks and crevices. The same is true regarding your plumbing. Look around your home and seal any cracks in your pipes before cold weather arrives.
Inspect your piping and fill all holes and fissures to prevent warm air from escaping. You can use caulk, putty, or other sealants. When combined with insulation, your newly sealed pipes will be well-protected against freezing water and air.
6. Close Garage Doors
Garages are a prime location for plumbing lines. However, a garage’s minimalistic design can create cooler indoor conditions that get colder through the winter. You’ll only increase your risk of frozen pipes if you leave your garage door open and allow cold air inside.
Close your garage doors during cold weather and ensure that they have ample weather stripping to prevent cold air from coming in. Finally, inspect around the edges and seal any visible cracks with caulk.
7. Keep Temperatures Consistent
While it’s common for homeowners to lower their thermostats before bed, doing so can lead to a burst pipe in the winter. Leaving the heat on at a consistent temperature will prevent pipes from freezing and bursting at night when temperatures drop.
The slightest temperature change can cause your pipes to freeze, so it’s best to avoid making drastic changes to your indoor temperature. Although your heating bill may increase slightly, the cost will be far less than a broken pipe.
8. Contact a Professional
Getting in touch with a professional is an effective way to ensure that your pipes don’t freeze. A professional plumber can give you additional information on preventing pipes from freezing and answer any questions you may have about protecting your plumbing lines.
If your pipes have frozen and you can’t find the frozen area, a plumbing expert can identify trouble spots. A licensed plumber also has the expertise to prevent frozen pipes from bursting through the use of effective pipe-warming solutions.
Professional Plumbing Services in Elgin, IL
At Advantage Plumbing & Sewer Co., we provide top-notch plumbing services in Elgin, IL. When your plumbing system freezes over, you can count on us to fix it. We get the job done right the first time so you can live your life without any major household inconveniences.
Whether you want more information on how to prevent pipes from freezing or tips on resolving low water pressure at home, our team can provide valuable insight thanks to our near-decade of experience serving our clients.
Our Advantage Plumbing & Sewer Co. team’s attention to detail helps us identify areas with frozen piping. We can diagnose and repair your plumbing issues using advanced tools and tried-and-true techniques. Most importantly, our commitment to your satisfaction makes plumbing services from our Advantage Plumbing & Sewer Co. staff hassle-free.
Don’t let your pipes freeze during winter temperatures. Stay one step ahead of freezing temperatures by incorporating our top eight tips. For more information or to schedule a service call with our Advantage Plumbing & Sewer Co. team in Elgin, IL, contact us today at (847) 268-3553.
