Frozen pipes are one of a homeowner’s most dreaded scenarios. Because water expands when it’s frozen, it can cause pipes to burst, leading to significant water damage and extensive plumbing repairs. While keeping your heat on through the winter is the best thing you can do to prevent the issue, many homeowners wonder if there are extra precautions they can take. Equip your home this winter by following these practical tips. 

How to Avoid Frozen Pipes This Winter

1. Seal Any Cracks or Holes

Any areas where pipes enter the home could be vulnerable to drafts. On frigid winter nights, water in the pipes can freeze in these spots. Inspect the places where pipes enter your home to make sure no cool air is seeping in, and fill any cracks or holes as needed.

2. Add Insulation

Pipes running along the exterior of your home are more likely to freeze. This can include areas such as garages, basements, and crawl spaces. To protect these vulnerable parts, keep them as warm as possible by installing pipe insulation. This material can be found at most hardware stores.

3. Let the Faucet Drip

If the temperatures are predicted to drop below freezing, run any faucets served by exposed lines. Running water through the pipe will help prevent it from freezing. A slight trickle is all you need to keep your system in working order. 

4. Open Doors & Cabinets

The areas underneath sinks in your kitchen and bathroom may not stay as warm as the rest of your house. Open the cabinet doors so heat can circulate around the plumbing in these secluded areas. You might also want to keep bathroom doors open to support a free flow of warm air.

5. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses

If you haven’t already done so, make sure your outdoor hoses have been disconnected and drained. Unhook all of your hoses and turn off the interior shut-off valves. This will prevent water from entering any spigots located outside your home.

Preventative maintenance is key to keeping your pipes in top shape during the winter. If you need help installing insulation or sealing any cracks, you can trust the team at Dependable Air Conditioning. This heating and cooling service has served Pope County, AR, for more than three decades and is equipped to handle a broad range of furnace and plumbing issues. If your pipes do freeze, their expert team will handle the problem quickly and efficiently, minimizing any damage to your home. Browse through their full list of services online or call (479) 968-5555 to speak to a friendly team member today.