Winter is a dangerous time for your plumbing. When pipes undergo the wrong combination of pressure and cold, they can freeze and burst, leading to expensive repairs, property damage, or, at the least, an inconvenient blockage. To avoid the need for pipe thawing and repairs, you need to prepare for this season's cold temperatures.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

1. Drain Outdoor Pipes & Hoses

You won't be using much water outdoors, so locate all your outdoor water sources and prepare them for winter. Empty water from garden hoses and store them out of the weather. If you have a swimming pool or a sprinkler system, drain its pipes as well.

2. Set Up Your Valves

Locate all your outdoor spigots and close the indoor water valves which supply them. Then, open the outdoor valves. This will allow any water trapped inside to freeze and expand without bursting the pipe.

3. Insulate

All your plumbing in cold areas should be thoroughly insulated to keep it as warm as possible. This includes garages, basements, crawl spaces, and cupboards. Either the whole area should be insulated, or the individual hot and cold pipes should be.

4. Warm It Up

As the weather turns colder, make sure to keep your home warm, including the areas where pipes are located. Open cabinets to let warm air in, and keep the garage door closed as much as possible.

5. Run the Water

If the weather is exceptionally cold, get a trickle running from the faucet which is served by any exposed lines. A little water running through will help prevent the pipe from freezing.

With the right preparation, you can avoid burst pipes and forego the need for pipe thawing this winter. If you do end up with a frozen line, call your local thawing service for help.

Bigfoot Pumping & Thawing in North Pole, AK, provides pipe thawing, septic pumping, and camera inspection services throughout the area. If you're having trouble with your plumbing or simply need routine cleaning done, their experienced technicians will get the job done. Call them at (907) 488-9855 or leave a message online.