One of the most common problems homeowners face during the winter is frozen pipes. Taking precautions before the temperature starts to drop will prevent your plumbing from freezing and potentially bursting, causing expensive water damage to your home. Use this guide to safeguard your pipes and avoid repairs from a professional plumber. 

How to Keep Pipes From Freezing

1. Add Pipe Insulation

Your home’s basement, attic, garage, crawl space, or exterior walls may not be heated or may have minimal warmth, which can cause pipes to freeze. Purchase foam pipe coverings from a hardware store and add them to the vulnerable sections.

2. Let Faucets Drip

When water freezes, it expands, and when this occurs inside a pressure-filled tube, the piping can rupture. Prevent this by running hot and cold-water from faucets when the temperatures are expected to plummet. A slow trickle of water prevents pressure from building up inside the water lines, so they are less likely to freeze and crack or separate at the joints. 

3. Turn Up the Thermostat & Let Air Circulate

Many people use zoned heating to help save money during the winter, but leave the vents and some doors open to keep plumbing warm. Also, open cabinets under any sinks. Maintaining a consistent temperature above 55 degrees Fahrenheit will make it less likely for vulnerable areas to freeze. 

If your home’s pipes freeze this winter, call the plumbers at Walter’s - Eaton’s Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC for immediate assistance. Since 1952, this small business has provided residential repair and installation services to Ellsworth, WI, and the surrounding areas. Their team of contractors can also handle your heating needs this season with services including boiler system repair. Call (715) 273-5589 to schedule an appointment with an experienced plumber.