During the winter months, frozen pipes are a concern. When cold water enters your pipes, they can contract and eventually burst, leading to flooding and water damage. Although a professional water damage restoration company can fix your home after a flood, you can take preventative measures to avoid an issue in the first place. 

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

1. Keep Your Home Warm

Pipes are in danger of freezing when the outside temperature drops below freezing for several hours. However, in an area like North Carolina, where pipes are less likely to be insulated, it may take less time for them to freeze. Keeping your interior temperature well above 32 degrees, especially around the pipes, is important. As long as the air around the plumbing closest to the exterior of your home is warm enough, you shouldn’t have any trouble. 

2. Leave Water Running 

If it’s cold outside, keeping a faucet or two open to a slow drip can prevent freezing. Water moving through the pipes, even at a very slow rate, can prevent it from freezing. Only do this for short periods to prevent a high water bill. 

3. Check for Leaks

Even a small leak letting cold air in around your plumbing can lead to severe problems and water damage restoration expenses. Inspect areas near your pipes to determine whether cold air could be coming in. For example, dryer vents and electrical wiring may have spaces that allow the cold to enter. Adding some extra caulking or insulation can keep the temperature high enough to reduce the risk of frozen pipes. 

4. Use Heat Tape

Pipes that lack proper insulation are more susceptible to freezing. However, you can increase their temperature by installing heat tape. Although this is a task best left to a professional plumber, it’s significantly less expensive and easier than water damage restoration. 

Taking precautions to prevent burst pipes protects your home, but if you experience water damage, the experts at Restoration 1 of Gastonia in Gaston County, NC, can help. These water damage restoration specialists are available 24/7 to help you clean up and recover from water, fire, or mold damage with state-of-the-art equipment and proven methods. Call (704) 741-1842 to schedule a cleanup or visit them online to learn more about their services.