Winterizing Your Home: Dealing With Frozen Pipes

 

As temperatures begin plummeting, both residential and commercial property owners need to properly winterize water pipes.  Neglecting to take necessary precautions, especially with pipes in exposed areas, can increase the likelihood of them freezing and bursting.  As a result, property owners could potentially be inconvenienced by experiencing significant water damage to homes or businesses.  Experts suggest that the threshold temperature for frozen pipes is 20 degrees Fahrenheit.  When the temperatures run low, or close to the stated threshold, you should start taking measures to help prevent frozen pipes from bursting, causing damage, and impacting your routine.

Here are some preventative tips to keep the pipes in your home from freezing:

1. Pipe Insulation is the easiest and most effective way to keep water in the pipes from expanding and freezing.  There are two types  of pipe insulation commonly used: foam rubber sleeves and insulated wraps.  Both types of insulation help to sustain water temperature in the pipes.
2. Crawlspace foundations in some standard American homes contain vents that allow the flow of fresh air into the property.  In the winter, cold air entering through the vents can lead to frozen pipes.  If you reside in an area where the winters are extremely frigid, temporarily block the vents to keep the cold air out.
3. Let Faucets Drip very slightly.  This will keep the water running, decreasing the pressure in the system.  Pressure is the real culprit for causing frozen pipes to burst.
4. Keep the Heat on. This is especially important if you or your tenant are leaving the property for some time.  Always set the thermostat to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Keep Interior Cabinet Doors in the bathroom and kitchen open to let the heat inside and circulate around the pipes.  This, in addition to keeping other interior doors open, will prevent the water in the pipes from freezing.
6. If you have water supply lines in your garage walls or ceilings, be sure to keep your garage doors closed as much as possible to keep the cold out.

Unfortunately, there might be times where, despite preventative measures, pipes may freeze or even burst.  Major Restoration Services provides professional expertise in a wide range of water damage restoration needs, including frozen pipes. Our technicians’ immediate intervention will prevent your property from sustaining more extensive damage.  Call us today to schedule Major Restoration’s prompt service.