January 15, 2019 by JulietAyer
As temperatures begin to plummet, the chances of your pipes freezing and cracking increases. Cracked pipes are one of the most common causes of property damage during sub below temperatures and can easily cause thousands in water damage. Water pipes that are most at risk are located in unheated interior areas such as garages, basements and attics. Yet even pipes installed through exterior walls or cabinets can freeze, depending on several factors. Therefore, we’d like to give you some tips on how to prevent your pipes from freezing.
How to Prevent Pipes From Freezing.
Once the temperature begins to fall, you should begin precautions inside to keep your water running and pipes warm. Research conducted shows that the “temperature alert threshold” is 20° F, especially if you have an uninsulated space with uninsulated pipes installed.
Some steps recommended by professionals may go against your beliefs of water and heat conservation, yet these steps are worth not having a hefty repair bill.
- Open bathroom and kitchen cabinets to allow the warmer air to flow around the plumbing.
- If perhaps you have pipes that are in a concrete foundation, allow the water to drip overnight when sub below temperatures is expected. This prevents your pipes from freezing as you permit the water to continually run, still water is what freezes faster and easier.
- Maintain the thermostat temperature setting during day and night. You don’t want to turn the thermostat down to save a few dollars when temperatures begin to fall.
- If you’re not going to be home, allow the heat to remain on. A setting to a temperature of no lower than 55° F should suffice.
- Purchase some insulating tape and wrap your pipes. You can also purchase some insulating foam, which is manufactured specifically for the purpose to wrap your pipes. If you want to take it even further consider automatic electric heat cable.
All of these options will conserve energy as water travels from outside, into your home, and to your hot water heater which runs throughout your home, assisting the pipes from freezing. Automatic electric heat cable does an excellent job of ensuring that your pipes don’t freeze and the heat it emits aids in ensuring the water stays warm. Additionally, it will turn on and off as needed as well as its ability to be wrapped in insulating tape or foam.
Insulate your Hot Water Heater
Finally, insulate your hot water heater tank itself. Again, this can and should be done all year to ensure your water heater is performing optimally. Yet, during the colder seasons, it prevents cool air from entering exposed areas and prevents heat loss and water pipe protection. You can purchase insulation jackets specifically meant to cover your water heater, yet the same insulation (the pink or blue paper-backed sheets) used in your attic for example, will work just as well and save you some money.
Finally, if you’re already having issues or require additional assistance, contact your local professional plumbing company who will gladly assist you.