Ways To Avoid Freezing Pipes During Winter
Cold temperatures bring a whole new set of possible problems for homeowners. One expensive issue is ruptured pipes. Below are some ways to avoid freezing pipes during winter.
Why Do Pipes Burst?
Within pipes, freezing may develop a blockage. Freezing water expands. You may have noticed this with liquids stored in the freezer. The blockage can cause elevated pressure in the line while it expands. Pipes may not necessarily burst at the blockage point. It might occur down the line, such as near your faucets. It could happen inside walls or even inside your rooms.
Ways To Avoid Freezing Pipes During Winter
Pipes are in various parts of your home. There are separate precautionary measures depending on the location of the pipes..
Exterior Faucets
For pipes leading to the exterior, such as those connected to your spigots, you should turn off the water source and flush the lines. Given these may be untouched through frigid temperatures, there is no need to fill water in that line of pipe.
Indoor Pipes
For other pipes in your property, there are a few things you may do. First, look into covering the pipes with a special material commonly sold at a hardware store. This is particularly useful for pipes in unfinished basements. Pipes running through the upper levels of the property can also break. Try to maintain a minimal temperature in the house. A broken pipe will cause more expense than the cost of heat.
Additional Advice for Extreme Cold
Subzero temperatures call for special measures. First and foremost, keep your heat set at the same temperature the entire time. Secondly, leave the kitchen and bathroom cabinets open to enable heat to quickly enter those spaces. Lastly, you can turn your faucet on just a little bit. This prevents pressure from building.
Basic Ways to Prevent Bursting Pipes Will Minimize Property Damage
Bursting pipes could cause a lot of damage, especially when it remains unknown for hours or even days. It is well worthwhile to take measures to avoid frozen pipes by considering these ways to avoid freezing pipes during winter. Do not forget to check with your homeowners insurance provider to confirm that you have coverage for issues such as frozen pipes.
