With the winter season comes the risk of burst pipes. When temperatures dip below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, there’s a chance of your pipes freezing. When this occurs, it causes the water inside the pipes to expand by approximately nine percent. This increased water volume ultimately causes the pipes to burst. If you’re dealing with burst pipes this winter, contact an experienced water damage restoration professional for help.
Here are a few ways you can prevent your pipes from freezing this winter season:
1. Make Sure Your Pipes Are Properly Insulated
The easiest way to prevent pipes from freezing is to make sure they are properly insulated. Exposed pipes have a higher probability of freezing than those that aren’t. Make sure pipes located in your unheated crawl space and garage are insulated with foam pipe covers and insulating pipe wraps. When you’re insulating pipes, a good rule of thumb is to remember that pipes located in unheated areas are most at risk of bursting.
2. Let Your Faucets Drip
Running your faucets helps to keep a steady flow of water moving through the pipes. Letting your faucets drip is enough to keep them from freezing. Keep an eye on the weather forecast so you know when to drip your faucets. Once temperatures go above freezing, you can shut your faucets off.
3. Keep the Thermostat the Same
Maintaining your home’s interior temperature is another easy way to prevent your pipes from freezing. Most experts agree that you should keep your interior temperature between 60 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent your pipes from freezing. While you may be inclined to lower the thermostat when you’re not home, try to avoid this. By keeping your temperature the same throughout the day and evening, your pipes won’t have as high a chance of freezing.
4. Leave Your Cabinet Doors Open
Since many pipes are hidden behind cabinet doors, they can easily freeze because they’re getting constant exposure to cold air instead of warm. Leaving your cabinet doors open helps warm up the pipes so they don’t freeze. In fact, some studies have confirmed that leaving cabinet doors open made a nine-degree difference.
5. Use Heat Tape
If the weather gets too cold, homeowners can use a product called heat tape to prevent their pipes from freezing. Heat tape wraps around the pipes and keeps them warm. If you decide to use heat tape, be mindful that it can be hazardous if it gets too hot. It’s important to read up on how to properly install this before use or to hire a professional plumber to install them for you.
Did You Suffer Water Damage From Frozen Pipes? Contact Green Genie Environmental
Water damage from burst pipes is common during the winter. If you have a burst pipe, don’t fret. The team at Green Genie Environmental can help. Our team is trained to properly clean water damage and prevent mold growth. Call us today at (716) 466-6653 to schedule an appointment.