How To Prevent Pipes From Freezing

2/11/2021 (Permalink)

As the weather conditions take a dive from cold to freezing temperatures, the only rise we’re expected to see is the increase in water damage calls related to burst pipes. 

At first, what may seem to be just a cold spell to most, can quickly turn into a waking nightmare involving two feet of your water in your living room — a disaster that doesn’t go away as quickly as it came. 

So how should you properly prepare for below freezing temperatures to keep you from having to call our water damage restoration professionals in the middle of the night? It’s easier than you think. Below a few steps you can take to help decrease your chances of dealing with pipe bursts as a result of the cold weather:

• Leave the Heat On

This may seem self-explanatory, but if you’re away overnight or gone for long periods of time, setting your indoor temperature no lower than 55° F helps ensure your pipes aren’t as exposed to the cold.

• Insulate Pipes

Though you should always ensure your attic and crawl space are properly insulated year round, a makeshift quick and inexpensive way to insulate your pipes would be to wrap pipes in heat take or heat cables with a thermostat control. This will work in a pinch, but we recommend properly insulating these high-risk areas. 

• Seal Cracks and Opening

To prevent drafts, seal or caulk cracks and openings around windows, doors, dryer vents, water pipes. and sill plates.

• Open Cabinets

Opening cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom allows for warmer air to circulate around the pipes and plumbing. Just make sure to move any cleaners or household chemicals away from the reach of children.

• Keep Garage Doors Closed

Protect your home from being exposed to colder temperatures and shield any water supply lines that may be in the garage by closing the garage door.

• Keep Interior Doors Open

For the same purpose of allowing warmer air to circulate around pipes and plumbing, keeping interior doors open helps to spread the warmth. 

• Let Faucets Drip

Letting cold water drip from a faucet helps to keep water flowing throughout the pipes. As the water flows, even if it’s just a trickle, it helps to prevent pipes from freezing.

Though these steps aren’t guaranteed to keep your pipes from bursting, they do go a long in preventing this disaster from falling on your home or office. 

If you do find yourself in ankle deep water, call SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony, our water damage professionals are trained and certified to handle any disaster you find yourself in during these colder months.