How to avoid having frozen pipes during winter months
While the temperature continues to jump up and down in spurts as the season transitions over, the truly cold winter weather is not far off. Which makes now the ideal time for homeowners to prepare to stay out ahead of the potential plumbing issues such as frozen pipes, that accompany winter’s snowy days and freezing temps.
For instance, there is minimal work that goes into combating frozen pipes, but once the water seizes up, homeowners have an entirely new set of circumstances to contend with. So from now until spring, homeowners need to stay vigilant to avoid common winter plumbing issues, such as frozen pipes cutting off the flow of water. Follow these tips to prepare your home, and protect your home’s pipes from freezing while you keep the water flowing through the cold winter months.
Maintain a Steady Drip
Allow your home’s faucets to maintain a steady trickle of water or a regular drip. This keeps the water moving in the pipes without running up the water bill. Homeowners want the water moving in their pipes as standing or still water will freeze more easily in colder temperatures. Letting sink and tub faucets drip slightly also prevents pressure from building in any of the home’s pipes, which helps prevent pipes from bursting if temperatures suddenly drop unexpectedly.
Wrapped up for Warmth
Look for pipes running near outdoor-adjacent walls, or within the basement, and make sure that these pipes are properly insulated. Heat will circulate throughout your home via your HVAC system, but these areas can still drop below freezing, especially during cold snaps. Wrap the pipes in foam insulation, and check on them regularly to make sure there are no signs of frost forming on the exterior of the pipes. Cold water pipes are more likely to freeze in colder temperatures, but hot water pipes can become covered with condensation when temperatures begin dropping, which will freeze if temperatures get too low. This is why homeowners should consider wrapping both their cold and hot water pipes to avoid potential issues.
Address the Little Things
Address any leaks that you know already exist, like a dripping faucet or sink, or hairline cracks in pipes. Letting leaks and cracks continue once temperatures drop can create issues, as this opens up the opportunity for your pipes to be more prone to issues from the water freezing. Water can freeze in the cracked and leaky areas, blocking the flow of water throughout the house, and also possibly expanding the break and causing significant damage as the pipes burst. Homeowners that take the time to address these minor issues before they get out of hand will be better prepared and reduce the likelihood of a major plumbing issue occurring.
Winter is a busy and stressful time. As you’re trying to continually predict and adapt to rapidly changing forecasts, you’re also juggling heightened work demands and holiday deadlines. But if it seems like there are issues with the water flow throughout your home, don’t let it wait until spring. Instead, reach out to the plumbing professionals at Duane Blanton Plumbing, Sewer, Heating, and Cooling. The licensed experts at Duane Blanton can help with any plumbing issue, no matter the size, or the season outside. Give the experts at Duane Blanton Plumbing, Sewer, Heating, and Cooling a call today at (815) 781-2567, or schedule an appointment online through their convenient online scheduling portal.
