During cold winters, homeowners need to be diligent to keep their plumbing safe. Unless the necessary precautions are taken, the pipes can freeze. Without pipe thawing, they can then burst and cause expensive water damage. Follow these helpful do’s and don’ts to prevent frozen pipes.

Do:

Check the pipes’ insulation.

Before the first winter freeze arrives, make sure all of the pipes in your home have sufficient insulation. Over time, the original insulation can degrade and become less effective. Replace worn down or missing insulation. For additional protection, wrap the pipes in electrical heating tape.

Seal leaks throughout the home.

Even the tiniest of cracks in your home can let in cold air. Check your home’s siding, foundation, and insulation for any openings and have them sealed to keep the cold air out. You can also install temporary weather stripping around doors and windows to better insulate your home.

Drain water from exterior pipes.

Since exterior pipes are most exposed to the elements, they need to be drained to prevent them from freezing and cracking. Drain swimming pools and sprinkler water supply lines as well. It’s also smart to disconnect any hoses and place them inside for storage to avoid damaging them.

Don’t:

Turn the heat off.

The pipes are more likely to freeze if the temperature in the home dips too low. Even if you’re going away for a winter vacation, you should never completely turn off the heat. Instead, lower the temperature to a minimum of 55 degrees. That will provide adequate protection for the pipes without costing a fortune in heating costs.

Let the water get stagnant.

Pipes are less likely to freeze when they have water actively moving through them. The flowing water coverts its potential energy to heat. Keep one or two faucets throughout the home dripping, especially on particularly cold nights or when you go out of town.

Close cabinet doors.

The cabinets in your kitchen and bathrooms house pipes that are susceptible to freezing. Counteract this risk by leaving the doors open, which allows heat from the HVAC system to get inside easier.

If your home’s pipes freeze this winter, contact the team at Bigfoot Pumping & Thawing. Serving North Pole, AK, homeowners for more than 25 years, this locally owned family business specializes in pipe thawing procedures. Learn more about their services online, or call (907) 488-9855 to schedule a pipe thawing appointment.