The last thing any homeowner wants to face in the winter is having broken water pipes on their property. Usually caused by frozen pipes that expand and contract, pipe trouble can lead to leaks, floods, and damage to belongings when water seeps in. It can also turn into a costly plumbing repair. To stop trouble before it starts, here are five ways to prevent water pipes from breaking.

Preventing Frozen and Burst Pipes

1. Insulate Pipes

Insulate any pipes at risk for freezing, which tend to be those located in attics or other unheated areas like floors, crawlspaces, and garages. Other spots to watch for include pipes along the perimeter of your foundation, on exterior walls, or anything running underneath a porch or patio. Protect these vulnerable components by purchasing and installing pipe sleeves, and consider insulating attics and basements to better regulate temperatures.

2. Open Cabinets

When the temperatures drop, consider opening cabinets that contain water pipes so that the heat from your home circulates inside. For extra protection, let the water trickle, especially at night when temperatures plummet even further. This stops ice forming and expanding inside the pipe, which causes breakage and a need for plumbing repair.

3. Drain Outdoor Lines

Reduce water that can lead to freezing in cold weather. Drain pools as well as sprinkler lines. Drain and unhook hoses, and make sure any water remaining in outdoor valves and faucets is purged. If you have indoor water supply valves for outdoor elements, close them up for the winter, but let outside valves remain open to ensure all water drains out.

4. Balance Temperatures

Program your thermostat to maintain moderate temperatures day and night. When the interior of your living space doesn’t fluctuate too drastically, the risk of freezing and thawing pipes is greatly reduced. Even if you are away for an extended period of time, don’t let the thermostat drop below 55 degrees.

5. Speak With Professionals

Plumbers can assist you in troubleshooting problem areas. They can recommend plumbing repairs and products to prevent pipes from bursting and causing a huge, expensive headache. In some cases, moving vulnerable pipes to a better location is the best solution to stop pipes from weakening.

Located in Kerrville, TX, the plumbing contractors at H2O Specialists are the plumbers to trust for drain cleaning, water treatment, water heaters, and an array of necessary plumbing repairs to keep your home or business in top shape. Since 1999, they have brought the latest techniques of the industry to every job, ensuring your property is repaired and that future trouble is prevented. For a complete list of services, visit them online, or call (830) 895-7575.