Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes
Winter is here, and with it comes freezing temperatures and snowy days. The coldest days of winter can put a strain on your HVAC unit, but did you also know that they can strain your plumbing system?
On especially cold days, the water in your pipes can freeze causing them to expand. This pressure on your frozen pipes can lead to leaks, cracks, or even a burst pipe. For many homeowners, a burst pipe is their worst nightmare.
It can lead to substantial water damage in your home and costly repairs. This winter, avoid the stress and expense of a burst pipe by preventing frozen pipes. Here are some tips to help you do that and to help make your winter a little bit easier.
Consider Using Heat Tape
Despite the name, heat tape is actually an electrical cable that can be wrapped around or snaked around pipes. The cable provides a controlled amount of heat to pipes to help keep them warm and avoid freezing.While it only works if applied before the cold weather arrives, heat table can be a very effective way to protect your pipes and avoid a burst pipe. Consider using heat tape this winter, especially for any pipes that are particularly vulnerable to the weather.
Keep in mind, however, that plumbing and electricity can be a dangerous combination, so it’s important to work with a professional to ensure that your heat tape is installed correctly and safely.
Install Pipe Insulation
Pipe insulation is a type of tubular insulation that goes around pipes to protect them from the elements. It’s easy to install and can help keep pipes from freezing and even protect you from having a burst pipe during the coldest days of winter.
In addition to insulating them from the cold, pipe insulation can help to make hot water pipes more efficient, as it prevents heat from escaping. Insulation can also help you avoid having condensation in your home during summer months, which reduces the amount of moisture in your home.
If you have pipes in exterior walls or that are not in heated areas, make sure that they have insulation before the coldest days arrive. If they don’t, install some pipe insulation or contact a professional to ensure that your pipes are properly insulated.
Let a Small Amount of Water Drip from Faucets
Even if you haven’t had a chance to install heat tape or insulation, there are ways that you can protect your pipes when unusually cold temperatures are in the forecast. One easy way is to let your faucets drip slightly into the water cycle.This will keep ice blocks from forming in your pipes and help to avoid frozen pipes. In addition, open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to help pipes stay a little bit warmer. These small steps could help to prevent a big plumbing crisis.
If you have concerns about your pipes or need help preparing them for winter, contact a trusted plumber as soon as possible. Being proactive about avoiding frozen pipes can help to prevent a stressful and expensive plumbing emergency this winter.
Contact a Local Plumber
Lambert Plumbing & Heating, LTD provides quality HVAC and plumbing services for the Vancouver community. Providing quality services for over four decades, Lambert Plumbing & Heating, LTD has the experience and expertise to meet all of the community’s HVAC and plumbing needs.
