Winter’s coming, and along with the cold weather comes the risk of frozen pipes. Nobody wants to wake up to no water or worse, a burst pipe flooding the house. But don’t worry. There are some easy things you can do now to keep your pipes happy and thawed all winter long.
1. Keep the Heat On (Even When You’re Not Home)
It might be tempting to turn your heat way down when you leave the house or go on vacation. But keeping your thermostat at around 55 degrees helps keep the pipes from freezing. A little warmth goes a long way, especially in spots where pipes are close to exterior walls or in basements.
2. Let Your Faucets Drip A Bit
If a big cold front is heading your way, leave a faucet dripping just a little. Moving water doesn’t freeze as easily as still water, so even a tiny drip can keep things flowing and prevent freezes.
3. Insulate the Pipes That Get Cold
Wrapping gifts this holiday season? Don’t forget to wrap something elseGot pipes in the garage, crawl space, or attic? Those are the ones most likely to freeze first. Wrapping them with foam insulation or using heat tape is a cheap and easy way to keep them cozy. And while you’re at it, seal up any cracks or gaps where cold air sneaks in.
4. Keep Cabinet Doors Open
Pipes under your sinks can get cold, especially if they’re on an outside wall. Opening the cabinet doors lets warm air circulate around those pipes, giving them a better chance of staying thawed. Just be careful if you’ve got kids or pets that might get into cleaning supplies.
5. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
Leaving hoses hooked up to outside faucets is a quick way to freeze the pipes. So, take them off, drain them, and store them somewhere warm until spring rolls around again.
6. Know Where Your Main Water Shut-Off Is
In case a pipe does freeze and bursts, it’s good to know where to turn off your water fast. It can stop a small leak from turning into a big mess. Make sure everyone in your house knows where the main shut-off valve is.
Contact A A Plumber in Raleigh, NC and the Surrounding Areas
Frozen pipes are the last thing you need this winter. Doing a few easy things now can save you from a lot of headaches (and costly repairs) down the road. If you want someone to take a look or just have questions, give us a call. We’re here to help keep your plumbing running smoothly all season.
