If you’ve ever dealt with burst water pipes, yes even here in the “Valley of the Sun”, you know what a costly nightmare it can be.
Fortunately, there are several things a homeowner can do to protect their pipes from freezing when temperatures start to fall. Some are basic steps that anyone can take and others will require getting your hands dirty. When you consider the alternative, it is time and effort well spent. Here are three ways to protect your pipes from freezing.
Turn Up The Heat
Everybody is trying to save on heating bills in the winter but if you live in an older home with an unheated attic, basement or crawl space, turning the thermostat down can cost you big in the long run.
Keeping your house warm will increase the temperature in poorly insulated rooms and areas susceptible to cold. It is important to keep the thermostat set at the same temperature throughout the day so you aren’t caught by surprise by a sudden drop in mercury.
Even when you are not home, keep the heat set above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re planning to be gone for a prolonged period of time keep the thermostat around 65 degrees. It’s also a good idea to install fiberglass insulation in areas where exposed pipes are present and to insulate the pipes themselves with tape or foam rubber sleeves.
Open Those Cabinet Doors
How will something as simple as keeping bathroom and kitchen cabinets open protect your pipes? If the plumbing is located behind an uninsulated exterior wall, the pipes are exposed to the cold and prone to freezing. By simply opening those cabinet doors you raise the temperature in that space and help protect vulnerable pipes. If you have pets or small children make sure potential harmful cleaners and chemicals stored under sinks are removed before leaving the cabinet doors open.
Keeping interior doors open is also a good idea to keep the heat circulating throughout the house.
Leave the Water Running
Running water is less likely to freeze which is why it’s a good idea during an extreme cold snap to turn on the faucets to sinks with exposed pipes. A slow drip is sufficient and will keep the amount of water wasted to a minimum. In the event that the water does freeze, having the tap open will still help since it will relieve the water pressure and prevent damage to the pipes.
These simple preventative measures can protect your pipes from freezing and save you thousands of dollars in plumbing repairs and clean up. However, if your pipes do freeze and burst it is important to know where the water shut-off valve is located in your home so you can quickly stop the water’s flow and minimize the damage. It’s also a good idea to turn off the valve while you sleep or if the home will be vacant during the extreme cold. This will limit the problem to the water which is left in the pipes, this could mean the difference between a little water damage and a flood.