Water freezes in unprotected household plumbing during winter, expanding and cracking the metal or PVC material. Pipes subject to such pressure buildup can burst, requiring water damage restoration. Here’s some advice on keeping your pipes from freezing in the cold weather.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter

1. Open Cabinet & Bathroom Doors

Give pipes under bathroom and kitchen sinks the gift of heat this winter by opening cabinets. This allows warm air to circulate around the pipes to keep water flowing instead of freezing. While it’s important to open interior doors during winter, ensure the garage door stays closed.

2. Set the Thermostat to One Temperature

Maintain a consistent interior temperature instead of turning your thermostat down at night or when you leave your house. Consistent warmth is especially imperative when the temperature drops in the evening. If you plan to be away for a time, set your thermostat to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Ask a friend or family member to check your house, as well.

3. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Use heat tape or other applicable materials to wrap exposed pipes in your basement, attic, garage, and elsewhere. Make certain that all exposed sections are covered to prevent water from freezing in random places. Consider using heat tape that automatically heats when it needs to instead of the kind you have to plug in.

4. Add Insulation to the Attic or Basement

Install foam or fiberglass insulation in the attic or basement as additional protective layers. Your house will feel warmer overall, with attic insulation helping avoid ice dams along the edge of the roof. These form when warm attic air melts roof snow, which refreezes along the gutters and edges and increases the chances of leaks and water damage restoration services.

If you need water damage restoration services this winter, contact Bryant Restoration. Featuring two convenient locations in Poplar Bluff and Farmington, MO, this restoration company also takes care of mold and fire damage. Call (573) 366-6351 to speak to a technician 24/7 in the Farmington location or dial (573) 712-7738  for Poplar Bluff to schedule water damage restoration, or visit the company online for more information. Get additional home maintenance tips on Facebook.