How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

The pipes running through unheated spaces such as basements are at the highest risk of freezing when temperatures plummet. Luckily, there are simple things you can do to prevent frozen pipes.

How to Prevent Your Pipes from Freezing

• Seal Any Air Leaks

Cracks, gaps, and spaces around the exterior of your home, in your home's foundation, and interior walls can allow cold air inside, resulting in frozen pipes. Be sure to seal cracks and openings around your pipes, vents, electrical wiring, and windows and door frames to reduce infiltration of cold winter air and prevent freezing pipes.

If you have pipes running through the garage, ensure you keep garage doors closed to prevent freezing.

• Let Faucets Drip

Let the faucets connected to exposed piping drip slightly in order to relieve pressure in the pipes and keep them from freezing.

• Insulate Pipes

If you have any pipes that run through uninsulated areas of your home such as the basement, garage, or attic, make sure they are properly insulated. You may also need to insulate pipes running through cabinets or exterior walls because they are more susceptible to freezing.

• Set Your Thermostat to at Least 55 Degrees Fahrenheit

Keep your thermostat set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the day and night in order to maintain a steady temperature. While you may be tempted to turn the heat down at night or when youre not at home to save energy, this strategy may prove costly in the long run because repairing a burst pipe costs much more than a slightly higher bill.

• Disconnect Garden Hoses

Ensure you drain and disconnect your garden hoses and keep the hose bib open throughout the winter season. This ensures water is not trapped where it can freeze.

• Keep Cabinet Doors Open

In many homes, kitchen and bathroom sinks are located against an exterior wall. Pipes that are located in kitchen and bathroom cabinets are vulnerable to freezing. When the temperature drops, you should keep kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open to let the warm air circulate around the pipes.

Need Help with Fixing Frozen Pipes? Get in Touch with Mr. Rooter Plumbing

Unfortunately, some of your pipes may still freeze despite putting in place preventative measures. Thawing frozen pipes must be done correctly to prevent pipes from bursting. If your pipes have frozen and you dont have experience with thawing frozen pipes, call a nearby plumber to help you out.

Youll know your pipes are frozen if little or no water comes from the faucets. Other warning signs of frozen pipes include frost on pipes, an unusual smell coming from faucets and drains, and a whistling sound coming from drains.

Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing for pipe repair and all of your plumbing needs.