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Frozen pipes are a major concern in the winter. If they burst, they can cause significant water damage to your home. Here are a few measures to prevent this problem and the need for emergency repairs from a plumber.

How to Keep Your Pipes From Freezing

1. Let the Faucet Drip

If you’re worried that a pipe will freeze, allow water to drip from the faucet attached to it. This relieves pressure in the system, which keeps the pipe from bursting. If you have two handles, turn them both slightly, and if you have one, set it to warm.

2. Insulate the Pipes

plumberIf you have pipes in cold spots of your home like the attic and basement, they may lack proper insulation, making them much more likely to freeze. Use a foam rubber or fiberglass sleeve to insulate exposed pipes. If the pipes are hidden in your wall, you’ll need a plumber to complete the insulation job for you.

3. Keep the Heat On

If you’re leaving home for a trip this winter, don’t completely turn off the heat. This can cause the interior to get too cold, leading to pipes bursting. You don’t have to keep your thermostat as high while away, but set it to around 55 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid freezing.

4. Open Cabinet Doors

Even if you keep your heat on when gone, open the cabinet doors under your sinks, especially if they’re on an outside wall. This ensures that the heat goes into this area and keeps the pipes warm.

If you’ve had previous problems with freezing pipes, also keep your cabinet doors open while you’re home. Just make sure that there aren’t any chemicals accessible by children or pets underneath your sink.

 

Whether you need to deal with a burst pipe or want to prevent future issues, the expert plumbers at Bradford & Sons Electrical Plumbing & Heating in Canandaigua, NY, can help. Since 1975, they’ve provided residents throughout Ontario County with plumbing services at affordable prices. They can also provide assist with HVAC maintenance and electrical repairs. Visit their website to learn more about their plumbing expertise, or call (585) 657 7309 to schedule an appointment.

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