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Winter has set in, and most of the U.S. is experiencing colder-than-average temperatures. With the extreme cold comes the risk of frozen pipes. Since water expands when it’s frozen, this not only halts any water flow, but it also increases the possibility of a burst pipe, which can cause flooding and damage to your property. To avoid frozen pipes this winter, the expert plumbers at Steve’s Plumbing & Heating offer advice for homeowners throughout Wisconsin.

5 Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes

1. Don’t Turn Off the Heat

It’s tempting to turn the heat down low or shut it off completely when you’re out of town to save money on your heating bills. Unfortunately, doing so could mean coming home to frozen or burst pipes. The plumbers at Steve’s Plumbing & Heating recommend setting the heat no lower than 55 degrees while you’re away to prevent freezing.

plumber2. Keep the Water Running

Keeping the water running sounds like a waste of water and another expensive utility bill. Allowing even the slightest trickle of water to continuously pass through faucets connected to exterior pipes can prevent freezing.

3. Open Interior Doors

The pipes under your kitchen and bathroom sinks typically aren’t insulated, and if the doors are shut, they don’t benefit from the heat throughout the rest of your home. Leaving these cabinet doors open will allow the heat to circulate around the pipes to keep them at an appropriate temperature.

4. Try a Pipe Sleeve or Heating Tape

If you’re concerned about specific pipes freezing, you may want to try a pipe sleeve or heating tape. These products are applied directly to the pipe and add an extra layer of insulation from the cold.

5. Add Insulation in Cold Spaces

Pipes in basements, attics, and crawlspaces rarely have enough insulation and are the most vulnerable to freezing. Adding some extra insulation in these areas, both to the pipes themselves and to the walls and ceilings, can prevent frozen or burst pipes.

If you find yourself with a frozen or burst pipe this winter, call the plumbers at Steve’s Plumbing & Heating. They offer 24-hour service to handle all of your emergency repairs. Visit the website to learn more about the plumbing and heating services available, or call (715) 421-1800 to schedule an appointment or request emergency service.

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