Tips To Keep Your Pipes From Freezing

9/24/2020 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes easily turn into the more serious problem of bursting pipes.

Winters in West Valley City, UT, can be harsh on your home. The cold weather can lead to frozen pipes, and because water expands when it freezes, frozen pipes easily turn into the more serious problem of bursting pipes. Keep everything running smoothly this winter so you can focus on staying warm without having to deal with any unpleasant plumbing surprises.

3 Tips to Avoid Freezing Pipes

1. Insulate Pipes

One of the best defenses against frozen pipes can be to insulate any plumbing that is exposed to the outdoors. You can do this with a variety of products available for this purpose or even by wrapping or stuffing around them with makeshift materials such as newspaper.

2. Empty Pipes When Not in Use

Freezing can't become an issue if there is nothing in the plumbing to freeze. Pipes that go to outdoor ponds, swimming pools, or sprinkler systems can be drained before winter weather hits to prevent bursting. Draining pipes can be much safer and better for the environment then using antifreeze and should work just as well.

3. Take Extra Precautions During Extreme Weather

There are a few special precautions you can take during extremely cold weather to help stop freezing. While these may not be practical for everyday use, they can be useful in a pinch. Some quick or emergency fixes include

• Letting the tap drip to keep water moving
• Opening cabinets/cupboards to allow warm air to reach pipes
• Turning up the thermostat at night

Taking preventative measures against pipe freezing should significantly lower the chances of a pipe bursting, but problems can still occasionally occur, especially in extremely cold weather. If worst comes to worst and you end up with frozen or burst pipes, it can be best to contact a restoration service to help you control any water damage or flooding that may occur. By catching problems early, you can save yourself a lot of hassle.