As the temperatures continue to dip, you’ve probably put some thought into preparing for the cold months. Putting up those storm windows, pulling out your heavier layers of clothing, and having those winter tires installed are all good things to do for winter preparation. Often, one neglected but no less essential step in winter preparation has to do with your home’s pipes. The damage that can be wrought by frozen pipes is significant, and plumbing repair can be quite costly. This is why the folks at Joe Klosterman Plumbing, a leading plumbing company serving Cincinnati, OH, and the surrounding Tri-state area, offer tips for preventing this unfortunate circumstance.

So what are some ways to prevent frozen pipe disasters? Let’s take a look:

• Insulation: The most common cause of frozen pipes is a failure of proper insulation. Pipes along walls or in crawl spaces, especially, are vulnerable to low temperatures. It may be necessary to have additional insulation installed on pipes that are exposed, or you could end up needing expensive plumbing repairs for frozen pipes.
• Cabinet Doors: Depending on the layout of your home, the pipes below the kitchen sink might rest against an outside wall, which can expose them to cold temperatures. Residential plumbing repair experts advise that you leave the cabinet doors open when it’s cold, letting in more of the home’s heat.
• Outdoor Faucets: Since these can become a gateway for freezing to occur in a home’s system, make sure these are properly insulated throughout the winter. Disconnecting the outside hose is the first step. If there is a shut off valve, be sure to turn that off as well.
• Know How To Shut Off Water: If you plan on leaving home for a while, or if you are actually experiencing frozen pipes, it’s a good idea to shut off your home’s water. This will limit damage and disruption, so make sure you know where to find the valve.

Of course, should you experience frozen pipes, the plumbing repair professionals at Joe Klosterman Plumbing are ready to help. Not only that, these experts can assess your home’s system and catch problem areas before they get out of control. Learn more about this dedicated plumbing repair service by checking out their website or calling (513) 941-6766.