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Winter can bring cold temperatures that put your home’s plumbing at risk. Frozen pipes are a common issue during the winter months, and when pipes freeze, they can burst, causing costly water damage. To avoid these headaches, it’s important to take preventative steps to protect your pipes from freezing. Here are some simple yet effective tips to help you keep your pipes safe this winter.
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
One of the best ways to prevent frozen pipes is to insulate them, especially those in unheated areas like basements, garages, crawl spaces, or attics. Pipe insulation is relatively inexpensive and can be found at most hardware stores. Foam pipe sleeves, heat tape, or even newspaper can be used to wrap exposed pipes. Pay close attention to pipes along exterior walls, as they are more vulnerable to cold temperatures.
2. Let Faucets Drip
During freezing weather, it helps to keep a small trickle of water flowing through your faucets, especially those connected to exposed pipes. Water moving through the pipes is less likely to freeze, and the small stream will help relieve pressure in the system if freezing does start to occur. A drip from both the hot and cold taps of faucets will provide the best protection.
3. Seal Cracks and Gaps
Cold air can seep into your home through cracks, gaps, and holes near your pipes, increasing the risk of freezing. Check for drafts around windows, doors, and any openings where plumbing exits or enters your home. Use caulking or weatherstripping to seal these areas, reducing the amount of cold air reaching your pipes.
4. Keep Your Home Warm
Maintaining a consistent temperature throughout your home is key to preventing frozen pipes. Even if you are leaving for a short vacation, set your thermostat to at least 55°F to ensure that your home stays warm enough to protect the plumbing system. Keep doors open inside the home, especially under sinks, to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
5. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
One of the most common causes of frozen pipes is an outdoor hose left connected to a faucet. Water inside the hose can freeze and cause pressure to build up in the pipes. Make sure to disconnect and drain any outdoor hoses, shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets, and install an insulated cover over the faucet to protect it during the cold months.
6. Install Pipe Heating Cables
For areas with extremely cold winters or where freezing is a common concern, pipe heating cables can provide additional protection. These cables are designed to be wrapped around pipes and provide heat to prevent them from freezing. They can be especially useful for pipes located in unheated spaces.
7. Know Where Your Shut-Off Valve Is
Despite your best efforts, there’s always a chance a pipe could freeze. In this case, knowing where your home’s main water shut-off valve is located can save you from major water damage. If a pipe bursts, quickly shutting off the water will minimize the damage and give you time to call a plumber for emergency assistance.
Winter-Proof Your Home: Call Us for a Winter Plumbing Inspection Today!
Preventing frozen pipes is much easier and less expensive than dealing with the damage caused by burst pipes. By taking these simple precautions, you can protect your home’s plumbing system and avoid the costly repairs that come with frozen pipes.
At Paws Plumbing, we’re here to help keep your home safe all winter long. If you’re concerned about your pipes freezing, give us a call at (858) 252-1670 for a winter plumbing inspection and personalized recommendations!