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How to Prevent Frozen Pipes this Winter

The cold weather can cause your pipes to freeze, which is very problematic because they can burst as a result. Water will expand when it freezes, and this extra pressure will cause your pipes to expand and rupture. Quite often it’s the pipes in your attic, basement, and garage that are more susceptible to this problem, however, if the pipe has water in it – it could freeze! Water supply pipes are concerning because their diameter makes it easier for them to freeze when compared to drain pipes. Keeping your home and pipes at a temperature above zero is the best way to avoid your pipes from freezing.

There are also other tips you can consider as well, so if you’d like to protect your pipes from the cold this winter, make sure you do the following:

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes this Winter

Cover Your Crawlspace

You can use foam for this step and temporarily seal your crawl spaces using the foam cut to the size of the vents. Not only will this help reduce the amount of cold air that enters your crawlspace, but it would also help lower the risk of frozen pipes.

Place Heating Tape on Exposed Pipes

Applying electrical heating tape to your exterior pipes will help, and you can put heating tape on pipes that are in unheated spaces as well. Manual heating tape will have to be plugged in and unplugged, whereas self-monitoring heating tape has a sensor that will turn it on only if the pipe needs more heat. Choose the electrical heating tape that would be best for you.

Open Your Cabinet Doors

Believe it or not, this tip will help because opening your kitchen and bathroom cabinets will allow warm air to reach your plumbing, and this will stop your pipes from freezing.

Keep Your Garage Doors Closed

If your pipes run through your garage, you need to make sure these doors stay closed.

Don’t Lower Your Thermostat

Many people will try to lower their utility bill by lowering the temperature, but this should not be an option if you are experiencing temperatures that are colder than normal. If you are going to be away, it is recommended that you keep the thermostat at 16 degrees Celsius or higher.

Let Your Faucets Drip with Cold Water

Even a small trickle of water running through the pipe will help prevent it from freezing, so let the faucets that are connected to exposed pipes drip with cold water.

Drain Exterior Hose Lines and Turn off Water

Turning off the water to exterior water taps and draining those lines can prevent these exterior lines from freezing. Disconnecting the garden hose allows any water to drip out. 

Insulate

This, too, will make a very big difference, so make sure you insulate your basement, crawl spaces, and attic and seal any cracks around doors and windows. 

Frozen pipes can lead to a number of problems, and if you need home insurance that can provide you with adequate coverage, Leibel Insurance can help! We will provide you with fair home insurance quotes, so if you are a homeowner, contact our team of insurance experts for more information today at 1-866-484-8880!

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