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If you live in an area where winter lasts longer than a few snow days, you might wonder how to keep your home’s water pipes from freezing. After all, frozen water pipes can burst, which is both messy and expensive. Before the next arctic blast hits your area, give these tips a read and protect your plumbing before the first frost.
Once the outdoor temperature drops below freezing, nearly every home’s water supply will freeze. Even if you have indoor plumbing with insulation, it’s not enough to keep the water from turning into ice during extremely cold weather. Here are some tips to keep your pipes from freezing during the winter:
1. Keep the Heat On
If you live in a cold climate, it’s important to keep your house warm. The last thing you want is for your pipes to freeze, which can cause a burst or leak. To prevent this, ensure the thermostat is set at a comfortable temperature for your home. You might also consider installing a small heater in your attic or basement.
You can find a cheap and effective electric heater on eBay or Amazon. Just be careful to use only a little electricity because it can cause damage if the power goes out during the winter.
2. Keep Interior Doors Open
The most important thing you can do to keep your water pipes from freezing is to keep the interior doors of your home open. The cold air in your home will freeze in contact with the walls, which can cause pipes to burst. This is especially true if you live in a large house or an apartment with a basement.
Many people are surprised to learn that the air inside their homes is at least as cold as the air outside. If you live in an area where temperatures don’t drop much below freezing, you might think that your interior door is keeping the cold out and preventing your pipes from freezing.
However, most homes aren’t insulated enough to keep their temperature constant. When a door is closed, it traps heat inside the house and prevents cold air from entering. A basement or any other area of your home with a concrete floor will also keep warm air with the same effect.
3. Apply Heating Tape
Instead of using electric heaters to heat your pipes, try applying the heating tape. This is an inexpensive alternative to expensive plumbing repairs.
The heating tape is a thin plastic strip that you can apply around the outside of your pipes. It prevents them from freezing and insulating them so they don’t get too cold, which could cause them to freeze.
4. Add Extra Insulation
If your home is built with standard insulation, you’ll need to add extra insulation to keep your pipes from freezing. This is especially important if your home was built in the last few decades.
Before adding any extra insulation to protect your water pipes, check with a local contractor to ensure that it will be effective.
You don’t want to add extra insulation only to find out it doesn’t work. Residential building restoration contractors can also install special insulation called R-50, specifically designed to protect against freezing.
5. Seal Up Cracks and Holes
Even if you have a normal winter, there are still chances that your pipes might freeze. This is because water expands when it freezes. The more cracks or holes in your pipes, the better the chance of freezing.
To prevent this from happening, seal up any cracks or holes in your plumbing with liquid silicone caulk. If you don’t have any caulk available, try to cover up as many gaps as possible.
6. Allow the Faucet to Drip
The first thing to do when the temperature drops are to ensure that your faucet isn’t dripping. This can be done by turning off the water and letting it sit outside for several minutes. If it still drips, there’s a leak in your piping system, or you have a clog in your drain.
Either way, you must fix that before turning the water back on. The best way to fix a dripping faucet is with a water hammer arrestor. A water hammer arrestor will protect your pipes from the pressure caused by cold weather, preventing leaks.
Another way to stop the drips is by using a shut-off valve. This type of valve allows you to shut off your water supply when you want to use it. This is especially important if you have a gas water heater because the gas can be vented outside if it gets too cold.
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