Tips to Keep Your Pipes From Freezing

Tips to Keep Your Pipes from Bursting this Winter

Your pipes which are laid or fitted for water supply throughout your home must be adequately maintained When we say cold temperature leads to freezing of the pipes, it doesn’t mean that pipe freezing will occur only in a cold climate. The water pipes may also freeze in a warm climate if they are not adequately insulated to protect them from frigid winter temperatures. While severe cold weather causes a very high risk for the pipes, the pipelines that are outdoors or the pipes that pass-through areas that are not protected are also more prone to freezing and bursting. When compared to drainpipes, water supply pipes are more likely to freeze because of their smaller diameter as well as the sustained pressure inside the pipes. It is very important to maintain the water supply pipes in order to effectively prevent freezing of the pipes. Here are some useful tips to keep your pipes from freezing this winter.

1. Ensure the Pipes are Properly Insulated

Insulating your water pipes is not expensive and can save you money in the end. Pipes may be insulated at the time of laying or fitting them, make sure you use good quality pipe insulation made of foam, fiberglass or polyethylene. Extra care is required for the pipes that are fitted in the basement, attic and garage.

2. Leave the Faucets Running

When the faucet is kept dripping, the pipes will not freeze. Since running water maintains the movement inside the pipes, freezing will not occur as easily as in the case of standing water. However, all the faucets in the house do not need to be turned on. By keeping just a few faucets running, formation of ice blocks inside the pipes can be prevented.

3. Set the Thermostat at the Same Temperature

In order to reduce heating expenses, many people set the thermostat at a lower temperature in the evening. But this may facilitate freezing of the pipes and ultimately the pipes will burst causing heavy expenses to repair them. It is advisable to always set the thermostat at the same temperature.

4. Check and Seal all Cracks, Holes and Openings Around Windows, Door frames, Walls and Floors

Prior to winter, the homeowner should thoroughly inspect all windows, door frames and floors, as well as interior walls. Make sure you seal all types of openings and cracks that you may find, this will prevent the freezing of your water pipes and you can avoid the costly repairs if they burst. When all the openings are sealed, the air inside your home remains warm and thereby provides the house with better air flow and insulation.

5. When You Are Away, Leave the Heat On

Make sure whenever you go out of your home during the winter, that your heater remains on. By keeping it at a lower temperature, you can avoid higher energy bills and at the same time avoid pipe freezing.

6. Keep the Interior Doors Open

In most homes, there is uneven distribution of warm air. Warm air can be made to spread evenly inside the home by keeping all interior doors open. When warm air is circulated from room to room the pipes will be protected from freeing.

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