When the winter weather sets in, the temperature can easily dip below freezing. This can cause water inside your water lines to freeze into ice. Since this isn’t an ideal situation, we’re going to share with you our best tips for avoiding frozen pipes at your home this winter.
The Hidden Dangers of Frozen Piping
When your pipe freezes up, it can cause a lot of damage. A frozen pipe can be very inconvenient since you won’t be able to get fresh water from the line. This can be particularly upsetting if the frozen section is part of the main water supply line that delivers water to numerous plumbing fixtures in your home.
A hidden problem with frozen water lines is that they can become distorted. When water freezes, it will naturally expand in size. When this happens, the ice will push out on the water supply line and can distort it. Furthermore, it can cause cracking of the supply line. If you’re not careful, you may overlook this crack until your line thaws and water ends up everywhere.
Insulate
One of the best methods for preventing frozen piping is to insulate your water supply lines. There are various materials that you can choose. Styrofoam tends to be the most common due to its ease of application. Spray foam is ideal for hard-to-reach locations where Styrofoam won’t fit.
Keep Your Heat On
It can be easy to think about turning off your heating system if you’re going to be traveling for the holidays. However, that’s not the best option. Rather, you should keep your thermostat at 55 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. This will ensure enough hot air is in your home to prevent pipes from freezing.
Turn Off Outdoor Faucets
If you have any water supply lines headed outside, they should be shut off before winter hits. These are for things like your hose bibb, irrigation system, or even your outdoor kitchen. Be sure to drain the water lines, if possible, to keep them completely clear. If draining isn’t possible, turn the outside faucet on to allow water to expand out of it.
Consider Using Heat Cables
A heat cable is a long strand of cord that has an internal heating element and a thermostat. When the thermostat senses that the temperature of the line is getting too cold, it will turn on the heating element to warm the water line that the cord is wrapped around. Heat cables are powered by electricity and should be used in unheated locations of your home where you need water during the cold winter season.
Open Enclosed Areas
Unfortunately, enclosed areas that house water supply lines are more susceptible to freezing. For example, the area under your kitchen or bathroom sink is more likely to freeze. When a cold spell is set to come through the area, it’s best to open your cabinet doors in these locations. This will allow hot air to circulate throughout these areas to keep the lines from freezing.
Leave a Faucet Dripping
Another tip for preventing frozen pipes during extremely cold spells is to leave a faucet dripping. Moving water is more challenging to freeze than standing water. Opt for choosing a faucet that’s the furthest away from your main water supply line. This will help to ensure that water flows through all your lines to prevent freezing. Remember that all that’s needed is a slight drip. You don’t need to fully turn on your faucet.
How to Handle a Frozen Pipe
While you may do your best to prevent having a frozen pipe, it can happen from time to time. It’s important to handle the issue promptly to prevent excessive damage from happening to your home. Start by shutting off the water supply and looking over the pipe for cracks or leaks. You can heat the line slightly with a blow dryer or heat gun. Avoid using an open flame, like a butane torch, as it could heat the line too much and permanently damage it.
Reliable Pipe Repair Service
Midstate Plumbing & Air offers reliable pipe repair service to the Bridgeport, WV community. We can also help with all your drain cleaning, water heater, gas line replacement, sewer line repair and replacement, piping, and repiping needs. Call us today to schedule an appointment with one of our friendly plumbing professionals.
