Frozen pipes can lead to catastrophic damage to your home. A frozen pipe that bursts can cause significant water damage, including ruined ceilings, floors, and furnishings. It can also lead to structural damage, including weakened walls, doors, windows, and joints. If not remedied immediately by a reputable and experienced water damage restoration company, mold may also begin to grow. So, the best way to prevent costly repairs and risks to your belongings is to prevent pipes from freezing. Here’s how to prevent frozen pipes by taking these 7 steps.
1. Disconnect Any Outdoor Hoses
Fall is the perfect time of year to begin winterizing your home, and one of the easiest ways to start is by disconnecting any outdoor garden hoses. For added protection, locate the water valve and shut it off for the winter.
2. Let Water Drip During Periods of Extreme Cold
If freezing weather is forecast, let a tiny trickle of water run from your faucets. Keeping the water moving can help to prevent ice from forming and freezing the pipe.
3. Maintain a Consistent Indoor Temperature
Many people look to take advantage of energy savings by turning off their heat when traveling in winter. However, the tactic can backfire spectacularly, leading to frozen pipes. Instead of turning your furnace on and off, select a comfortable temperature and keep the thermostat set. Consistency is easier on your HVAC system, and the few dollars you may save by turning your heat off aren’t worth the potential cost of a burst pipe.
4. Keep Interior Doors Open and Open Cabinets if Necessary
Keeping your interior doors open during the winter is essential to allowing warm air to circulate. So, don’t close the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room doors. For added protection, consider opening the kitchen, laundry room, and bathroom cabinets to keep the pipes warm.
5. Keep Your Garage Door Closed
Leaving your garage door open in the winter exposes pipes to freezing temperatures. So be sure you always keep your garage door closed.
6. Seal Air Leaks
Air leaks in walls or around your home’s foundation allow cold winter air to enter your home. Seal holes or hire a handyman to seal any air leaks you find before winter weather arrives.
7. Insulate Your Pipes
Insulating pipes is very easy with foam pipe insulation, or heat tape. Pay special attention to pipes in the attic, basement, and beneath sinks in the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room.
Steps to Take if You Discover Frozen Pipes in Your Home
If you find that any of the pipes in your home have frozen, follow these steps
- Inspect the pipe for any cracks.
- Turn the water on gently to see if any water comes out
- If water comes out and there is no leak, leave the water running gently to melt the ice
- While running the water, try warming the pipe with a heating pad, hair dryer, or warm towels
- If you find a crack in a pipe, locate the main water shut-off valve and call a plumber immediately
- If you’ve suffered water damage from a burst pipe, contact an emergency water damage restoration company
Emergency Water Damage Restoration in Southern Oregon
ProKleen is a top-rated and expert-recommended water, fire, smoke, and biohazardous cleanup and restoration company serving Southern Oregon. For emergency service 24/7, call 541-857-1818. For non-emergency service, you are welcome to send us a message.