6 Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Dealing with frozen pipes in your Dewey, Delaware, home can cause a lot of frustration and could also lead to significant water damage. If you believe pipes can only freeze in climates that regularly dip below 0 degrees Fahrenheit, this is not the case. In fact, any home without proper insulation is more likely to be impacted by frozen pipes. Avoid this problem by taking steps throughout the winter to prevent your pipes from freezing.

Why Frozen Pipes Are a Problem

The main problem that can occur as the result of a frozen pipe is the pipe bursting. When this happens, the water that comes out of the broken pipe can cause a lot of damage in a short period of time. Water can destroy flooring, furniture, and drywall quickly, and if the pipe is connected to a sewer line, the water might even contain harmful bacteria. Mold can also grow as the result of high moisture levels, which can cause health problems among those living in the home. When your pipe is frozen, the water also won’t come through the faucet.

Keep the Heat On

One of the easiest ways to prevent your pipes from freezing is to keep the heat running, even if you’re away from home. It might seem like a waste of energy and money to run the furnace when you go away for a vacation, but doing so could save your pipes. A few extra dollars every month is well worth it to prevent freezing pipes, especially when you consider how much it could cost if a frozen pipe bursts and the water causes damage to your home. Replacing flooring, drywall, and damaged possessions could quickly cost thousands.

Seal Any Cracks

Take a look at the walls around the pipes to see if there are any cracks or gaps. Leaving the area around your pipes exposed to the cold air outside could increase the risk of freezing. Use caulk to fill in the cracks and prevent the cold from seeping into your home.

If your pipes are easy to access, you can add an extra layer of protection by insulating the pipes. You can apply this directly to the pipes to prevent them from freezing.

Keep the Interior Doors Open

Most pipes are hidden behind walls or within cabinets, making them harder to access. You can keep the warm air flowing throughout the home by keeping these interior doors open. The heat from the rest of your house can help keep the pipes warm and prevent freezing.

Allow Some Dripping

It might seem counterintuitive to let a faucet drip to prevent water damage, but doing so can help reduce the risk of frozen pipes. Turn the taps on just slightly to allow a small amount of water to come through them. With this practice, you can help relieve the pressure within the plumbing system. Frozen pipes often occur because the pressure between the faucet and the blockage causes a burst, so keeping the faucet slightly open will prevent the sudden shift in pressure.

If Your Pipe Does Freeze

If you do have a frozen pipe, you’ll notice only a trickle of water or no water at all coming through the faucet. You can treat the pipe by applying heat, such as wrapping a heating pad around it or applying towels dipped in hot water. Another option is to use a blow dryer on the heat setting to slowly thaw the frozen section. Keep the faucet open to relieve the pressure, which will allow the water to start flowing through as soon as the frozen section thaws.

Find out more about treating frozen pipes and keeping your home’s plumbing safe by calling our team at Custom Mechanical at 877-696-0808.

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