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How To Prevent Pipes Freezing & Inflicting Damage?

Homeowners are worried about pipes that could freeze, causing major damage. Frozen or burst pipes can cause expensive repairs and may require the services of a company that specializes in water damage restoration. This comprehensive guide will help you prevent pipes from becoming frozen and causing damage.

Pipes Can Freeze: What to Know:

To understand how pipes freeze, you must first know the cause. As the temperature drops, the water within pipes can freeze and expand. The pipes can crack or burst due to the pressure created by this expansion. Most pipes that are located in non-heated areas, like basements or attics, as well as garages and exterior walls, can be vulnerable.

Tips To Prevent Pipes From Freezing

  1. Insulate Pipes

Insulating your piping is a great way to prevent it from freezing. Use foam pipe insulating, especially in pipes located in unheated locations. Also available are insulation sleeves or wraps, which can be easily applied to pipes of all sizes.

  1. Close Garage Doors

If there are water lines in your garage, keep the garage doors shut as much as possible.

  1. Open Cabinet Doors

Often, pipes located in bathroom and kitchen cabinets are against exterior walls. Opening the cabinet doors allows warm air to circulate throughout your home, which reduces the risk of pipes freezing.

  1. Let Faucets Drip

When temperatures are extremely low, you can avoid pipes freezing by letting them drip. A trickle of even a little water can keep your pipes from freezing and prevent them from bursting.

  1. Maintain a Consistent Heater

During cold snaps, set your thermostat to the same temp both daytime and nighttime. You should not reduce the temperature to save energy at night. The risk of freezing pipes increases.

  1. Use Heat Tape

Consider electrical heating tap for pipes prone especially to freezing. This tape is wrapped around pipes that are susceptible to freezing and can be plugged into a power outlet. 

  1. Add Extra Insulation

If you find that your home has areas that are inadequately insulated, add extra insulation. This can be done in the attic, basements, or crawl spaces. This can help keep your home at a comfortable temperature and prevent your pipes from freezing.

  1. Disconnect Garden Hoses

Drain garden hoses and disconnect them before cold weather sets in. Close the valves inside the outdoor faucets. Also, open outside faucets for any water that is left. This prevents the water in your pipes from freezing.

What To Do When Your Pipes Freeze?

Even with the greatest precautions, pipes will still freeze. Act fast to avoid a leak if you suspect a frozen pipe.

  • Apply the Heat

You can use an electric heating mat, a hair dryer, or a portable heater to warm up the section of the pipe that is frozen. Do not use open flames, such as a blowtorch. They can cause a pipe to burst.

  • Continue to heat until water flow returns to normal

Continue to heat the water until it flows freely again. Call a professional to help you if there is no way to find the frozen part or if your pipe cannot be accessed.

  • Check the leaks

Once the pipe has defrosted, check for any leaks. Repairing a small fracture can be costly if you wait.

When Should You Contact A Water Damage Restoration Company?

To minimize the impact of water damage or flooding caused by a ruptured pipe, you must act quickly. When to call a water damage restoration company:

  • Significant Water Damage

If you are experiencing significant water damage, such as soaked floors, carpets, and walls, then a professional restoration firm can provide the equipment and expertise to restore your property.

  • Mold growth

When water damage goes untreated, mold can develop. A water damage company can not just remove the excess water but also treat mold and prevent it from growing.

  • Comprehensive Cleanup

Water damage companies provide comprehensive cleanup services that include dehumidification (dehumidification of the air), drying, and sanitizing. The home is cleaned thoroughly and restored to pre-damage conditions.

Conclusion

To protect your home, it is vital to prevent pipes from freezing. If you take proactive steps, such as insulating pipes, sealing cracks, and maintaining a constant temperature, then you can reduce the chance of pipes freezing and prevent costly repairs. It’s vital to hire a professional water damage company to help restore your home quickly and effectively if there is any water damage. Taking the above precautions will help you to keep your home dry, safe, and damage-free during winter.