Plumbing problems are always inconvenient, but they can be particularly stressful to deal with during the winter. Frigid temperatures can cause pipes to freeze, which then leads to thousands of dollars in water and structural damages. Here are several helpful tips to prevent frozen pipes all winter long. 

4 Tip to Stop Pipes From Freezing

1. Insulate Pipes

Some areas of your home like the attic, garage, basement, and crawlspaces may not have access to heat from your furnace. This leaves pipes in these areas vulnerable to freezing. Wrap pipes in insulation made from foam or fiberglass to help the plumbing in these parts of your home retain warmth.

2. Keep the Furnace On

Heat is one of the best ways to protect your plumbing system from cold temperatures. While you may not want to keep your furnace on while you’re away from home, setting the thermostat to at least 60 degrees when you're not home will help the pipes stave away the cold without running up your energy bill.

3. Open Faucets

It may seem counterproductive to let your faucets drip to prevent frozen pipes, but it is a useful tactic. Frozen stagnant water is what causes pipes to burst, but moving water is harder to freeze. When temperatures drop, turn on a few faucets over your sinks and bathtubs and allow the water to trickle out. The flow of the water will stop ice from forming and clogging the pipes.

4. Seal Cracks

Cracks and holes are sometimes present where pipes run into walls or floors, but they can let in cold air. If outside air seeps into a small area like crawlspace or cabinet, it can make the space feel colder. Wherever possible, seal openings with caulk or insulation to preserve warmth indoors and block out the cold.

 

Keep your plumbing system running smoothly this winter by reaching out to the professionals at The Plumbing Source. Serving the greater Cleveland, OH, area for more than 30 years, these experts can handle everything from plumbing repairs to HVAC installations. They are available 24 hours a day and offer affordable same-day services. Call (877) 768-7239 or visit them online today to learn more about all this company has to offer.