As winter approaches, protecting your plumbing from the frigid weather becomes a priority. Frozen pipes can burst and cause serious flooding and water damage. To keep your water running and your pipes at an adequate temperature, use the following tips to prepare your home for the winter.

How to Keep Your Pipes From Freezing

1. Keep the Heat On

Many homeowners and landlords may want to cut back on energy bills during the winter by lowering their heat. However, setting your thermostat too low can result in frozen pipes, which can lead to a major expense. Allow the heat to remain on at all times. Even when no one is home, never set the temperature below 55°F.

2. Heat Your Pipes

During particularly cold nights, preventing frozen pipes can be challenging. You can provide extra protection with electric heat cables. These kits come with built-in thermostats that turn on only when the temperatures are dropping too low, so you won’t have to worry about doing so manually.

3. Let Faucets Trickle

If you don’t use a certain area of your home often, your exposed kitchen or bathroom pipes may be getting frigid. Turn on the taps just enough to allow a light drip from the faucet on occasion. Opening the faucet relieves pressure from the system to keep near-frozen pipes from bursting and running water through your pipes will help prevent freezing in the first place.

4. Use Pipe Insulation

Exposed pipes generally do not have the proper insulation to avoid freezing. Add insulation sleeves to pipes in basements, crawl spaces, and attics to protect your plumbing from the cold. You can also place extra insulation along the walls and ceiling in rooms that run colder than the rest of your home.

Whether you’re dealing with burst pipes or need help winterizing your home, trust the experts at Lammel Plumbing Inc. Serving Beatrice, NE, and surrounding areas, this family-owned and -operated company has been offering superior plumbing services and solutions for over 72 years. With 24-hour emergency services, state-of-the-art equipment, and quality customer care, these plumbers will get the job done right. To receive a free estimate or schedule service, call (402) 223-4132. Learn more about their residential services online.