It’s that time of year again – the leaves are changing color, the temperature is dropping, and homeowners everywhere are preparing for winter. One of the most important things to do during this time is to prepare your home for cold weather. This includes taking steps to prevent frozen pipes. If a pipe freezes and bursts, it can cause a lot of damage and be very expensive to repair. In this blog post, we will discuss how to prevent frozen pipes and what to do if they do freeze.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
Water expands when it freezes, which is why pipes can burst when they freeze. To prevent this from happening, take the following steps:
1. Keep your home warm – The best way to prevent frozen pipes is to keep your home warm. Set your thermostat to at least 55 degrees, even when you’re away. If you’re going to be gone for an extended period of time, have someone check on your home and make sure the heat is still on.
2. Insulate exposed pipes – Any pipes that are exposed to the cold should be insulated. This includes pipes in the attic, crawl space, or garage. You can purchase insulation material at any hardware store. We’ll discuss this more below.
3. Seal cracks and holes – Cracks and holes in your home’s exterior can let cold air in, which can lead to frozen pipes. Seal any cracks or holes you find with caulk or expanding foam.
4. Disconnect garden hoses – Be sure to disconnect all garden hoses from outdoor faucets and drain them before winter arrives. Once the hose is disconnected, turn off the water supply to the outdoor faucet. This will help prevent freezing and bursting.
5. Know where your main water shut-off valve is – In the event of a pipe burst, you’ll need to be able to quickly shut off the water to your home. Locate your main water shut-off valve and make sure everyone in your household knows where it is and how to operate it.
What Do I Do If a Pipe Freezes?
Even if you take all the necessary precautions, there’s always a chance that a pipe will freeze. If this happens, here’s what you need to do:
1. Shut off the water – As soon as you realize a pipe has frozen, shut off the water to your home at the main shut-off valve. This will help prevent further damage.
2. Thaw the pipe – Once the water is shut off, you can begin thawing the pipe. You can do this by applying heat to the section of pipe using a hair dryer, space heater, or heating pad. Never use an open flame to thaw a frozen pipe!
3. Turn on the faucet – Once the pipe is thawed, turn on the water at the shut-off valve and then turn on the faucet that’s connected to the frozen pipe. This will help you determine if there are any leaks.
4. Call a plumber – If you can’t thaw the pipe yourself or if there are signs of leakage, it’s time to call a professional. A licensed plumber, such as Bodenheimer Plumbing Services, will be able to repair any damage and get your pipes back in working order.
Consider Insulating Exposed Pipes
If you live in an area that gets very cold in the winter, you may want to consider insulating all of your exposed pipes. This will help prevent them from freezing, even if the power goes out or your heat is turned off for an extended period of time.
There are a variety of pipe insulation materials available, so be sure to choose one that’s right for your needs. Insulating materials can include heat tape, heat cable, or pipe sleeves. Make sure the material you select can withstand the temperature extremes in your area and follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully.
Relocate Exposed Pipes
If you have pipes that are exposed to the cold but can’t be insulated, you may want to consider relocating them. This is often possible with pipes that run through an unfinished basement, crawl space, or attic. By moving these pipes to a warmer area, you can help prevent them from freezing.
If you’re not sure how to relocate exposed pipes, contact a professional plumber such as Bodenheimer Plumbing Services for assistance. We will be able to recommend the best course of action and ensure that the job is done correctly.
Frozen Pipe Services: Bodenheimer Plumbing Services
Frozen pipes can cause a lot of damage to your home and be very expensive to repair. But by taking some simple precautions, you can help prevent them from happening in the first place. Use the tips above to keep your pipes safe this winter. And if you do end up with frozen pipes, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (336) 788-3966. We’re here to help 24/7!
Bodenheimer Plumbing Services is a full-service plumbing company serving Winston-Salem and the surrounding region. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services. So whether you have a frozen pipe or just need a simple repair, we’re here to help. Contact us today!
