As the winter season approaches, Elevate Homescriptions is here to help you protect your beautiful home from the potential nightmare of frozen pipes. Winter brings many joys, but it also brings the risk of pipes freezing and bursting, leading to costly and inconvenient damage. We’ve put together this guide to ensure that your plumbing system stays safe and sound throughout the cold months.
1. Insulate Your Pipes
Start by insulating your pipes, which is one of the most effective ways to prevent freezing. You can find insulation materials at your local hardware store, and the installation is a breeze. Focus on insulating pipes in unheated or exposed areas, such as your attic, basement, or crawl spaces. Pay special attention to exterior walls and areas with minimal insulation.
2. Seal Drafts
Cold drafts are the enemy of warm pipes. Inspect your home for drafts, especially around doors, windows, and other potential entry points for chilly air. Use weatherstripping and caulk to seal gaps and maintain a more consistent temperature around your pipes. You can check out this link here for our favorite caulk.
3. Keep Your Home Warm
A cozy indoor temperature is key to preventing frozen pipes. Even when you’re not at home, set your thermostat to a temperature above freezing, typically around 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit. This consistent warmth will keep your pipes from turning into ice pops, especially during extreme cold spells.
4. Open Cabinet Doors
In areas where pipes are hidden inside cabinets, like under sinks, leave the cabinet doors open. This allows warm air from your home to circulate around the pipes and keeps them cozy and frost-free.
5. Let Faucets Drip
During extreme cold, consider letting your faucets drip slowly. A steady stream of water helps prevent pipes from freezing by relieving pressure and promoting water movement. Pay extra attention to faucets on exterior walls and in colder areas.
6. Disconnect Hoses and Outdoor Faucets
Before winter takes hold, disconnect and drain any hoses connected to outdoor faucets. Shut off the water supply to these faucets and, if possible, insulate them. Outdoor pipes and faucets are especially vulnerable to freezing, so taking these precautions is a must.
7. Monitor for Leaks
Even the tiniest leak can lead to frozen pipes, so keep a watchful eye on your plumbing system. Inspect your pipes for any signs of leaks or dripping water. If you spot an issue, address it promptly to avoid further complications. With our Elevate app, you can make a claim as soon as you notice the issue and you save $5 by doing so! You can download our app on the Apple Store or Google Play Store.
8. Consider Pipe Heating Cables
For those living in areas with frigid winters, pipe heating cables are a wise investment. These electric heating cables can be wrapped around your pipes to prevent freezing. They work wonders for exposed pipes in vulnerable areas.
9. Drain Your Sprinkler System
Don’t forget about your irrigation system! Make sure to drain it before winter arrives. The water in these pipes can freeze and damage the system. Simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper drainage.
With Elevate Homescriptions, your winter plumbing worries are a thing of the past. Preventing frozen pipes during the winter is a matter of taking proactive measures, and the effort is well worth it to avoid the headaches and expenses of burst pipes. By following our tips, you can protect your plumbing system and enjoy a worry-free winter, ensuring that your pipes stay warm and free from freezing. Enjoy the beauty of the season without the added stress of plumbing problems. Stay warm, stay safe, and let Elevate Homescriptions guide you through a cozy winter!