Are you concerned about frozen pipes this winter? We don’t blame you! After all, if your pipes freeze and burst, you have a mess on your hands.
Instead of worrying, though, take action to keep your pipes from freezing (and avoid unnecessary costly plumbing repairs) This is one area where prevention is key to eliminating plumbing problems completely.
Some easy ways to prevent frozen pipes this winter include:
- Keep the heat running
- Let faucets drip
- Use heating tape
- Seal all cracks and holes
- Keep cabinet doors open
- Add insulation
Read on to learn more or simply reach out to an expert Manassas plumber from Turner’s Service Co. now!
1) Keep the Heat Running
Even when you leave home or take a vacation, make sure your home is warm enough so that your pipes won’t freeze. Keep your thermostat set to at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit so your home will stay well above 32. That way, your pipes won’t get cold enough to freeze and you won’t have to worry about any problems.
2) Let Faucets Drip
If you’re concerned about a particular pipe freezing, let the faucets on that pipe drip. Sure, the sound can get annoying, but this keeps water from sitting motionless in the pipes. Even the tiniest drip can mean the difference between pipes that freeze and ones that stay thawed.
3) Use Heating Tape
Wrap your pipes in self-heating tape. Focus on the sections of pipe most likely to freeze in order to avoid a burst pipe. Make sure you don’t use the kind of heating tape that needs to be plugged in. This can be a fire hazard and was only designed for occasional use. You can get both kinds of heating tape from your local hardware store.
4) Seal All Cracks and Holes
If there are cracks or holes letting cold air into your attic, basement, or garage and you have pipes running through that area, too, seal up the cracks. You can use spray foam, caulk, or other solutions. The important part is that you avoid frozen pipes and the consequent frozen pipe repair.
5) Keep Cabinet Doors Open
If you have pipes under kitchen or bathroom cabinets, keep those cabinet doors open. This allows heated air to circulate down there, keeping the pipes warm and making sure they don’t freeze.
6) Consider Adding Insulation
If you have had a lot of repeated frozen pipes or have needed regular pipe repair in the winter, consider adding more insulation to areas where those pipes are located, especially if there’s not much insulation there already. Common areas needing insulation include garages, attics, and basements. Choose the type of insulation that best meets your needs.
Manassas Emergency Plumbers Ready to Help!
If you have frozen pipes and need pipe repair or you want help avoiding frozen pipes, contact Turner’s for Manassas plumbing service today. We’ll have an expert to your house fast to take care of all of your pipe problems!
