As the winter season approaches, homeowners face the challenge of keeping their pipes from freezing. Frozen pipes not only cause inconvenience and interruption of daily routines, but they can also lead to costly repairs. Fortunately, there are things you can do to prevent this from happening.
1. Insulate Your Pipes
The simplest way to prevent your pipes from freezing is by insulating them. Pipe insulation is cheap, effective, and easy to install. You can purchase foam or fiberglass pipe insulation that fits around your pipes to keep them warm. This helps to maintain the heat in your pipes and protect them from freezing. In addition to insulation, consider sealing gaps or cracks near your pipes to prevent cold air from entering.
2. Keep Your Home Warm
Regulating the temperature in your home is a vital step to protect your pipes from freezing. Keep your home environment warm and maintain a consistent temperature above 55°F. Even if you’re going to be away from home, ensure that the heating system is still functioning. If you’re planning to go on a vacation, it’s recommended to keep your heating system on while lowered to a reasonable temperature.
3. Drip Your Faucets
A simple yet effective way to prevent frozen pipes is by allowing a small drip of water to run through your faucets. When water moves through your pipes, it becomes difficult for them to freeze. Additionally, a small drip helps to reduce water pressure, a significant cause of pipe bursts. If you’re concerned about wasting water, consider placing a container under the faucet to collect water to use later.
4. Drain Your Outdoor Hose
If you have an outdoor hose, it’s important to disconnect it and drain the residual water. When water freezes, it expands, causing pressure to build up in the pipes and increasing the risk of your pipes bursting. Failing to remove and drain the hose can also cause water to freeze in the outdoor spigot, leading to costly repairs.
Minneapolis Plumbers Serving the Twin Cities
Contact Plumb Right today at 6900 Winnetka Circle, Suite 350, Brooklyn Park, MN, 55428, or call us at (763) 401-8233. Our dedicated team is here to provide you with top-notch plumbing services and ensure your peace of mind during the winter months.