Homeowners Guide for Preventing and Thawing Frozen Pipes

The winter weather presents certain specific risks due to the colder temperatures. One of the greatest sources of potential damage to your home is frozen pipes, which can burst and cause substantial damage to your home and belongings.

While you can’t control the weather, there are a number of steps that you can take as a homeowner to prevent pipes from freezing in the first place. If you should suffer from a frozen pipe, there are steps that you should take immediately to stop or reduce potential damage.

Watch Out For Exterior Plumbing

Pipes that have the most contact with the elements are the ones that you need to worry about the most. Do a scan of your home, taking special note of where the most vulnerable piping is located. Pay attention to pipes that run in the garage, or against exterior walls.

For an extra measure of warmth, leave cabinet doors open under sinks in bathrooms and kitchens, giving the warm air a path to flow.

Wrap Pipes with Heating Tape

It is important for your pipes to be able to retain as much heat as possible in order to prevent freezing. An excellent way to accomplish this is to wrap your pipes in specialized heating tape. This takes a great deal of precision, so you’ll want to refer this job to your trusty plumber.

Warm Pipes Occasionally by Letting Hot Water Run

Believe it or not, simply letting hot water flow on a regular basis is an effective way to keep pipes clear. It can help warmth linger as well as break down any freezing that may be starting. Another handy trick is to keep a couple of faucets running at all times; just a trickle to promote movement through your pipes.

Keep Garage Doors and Attic Windows Closed

Heat rises, so if your attic windows are open, you are providing hot air a way to escape your home. Keep them closed at all times. In the same vein, if your garage door is open, you are removing a barrier between your home and the cold outdoors. Keep cool air out and protect your pipes by keeping that garage door closed.

To Thaw a Frozen Pipe, Use a Heat Lamp, an Electric Space Heater or a Hair Dryer

If you discover that you’ve got a frozen pipe on your hands, it is essential to apply heat as soon as possible.

The longer the freezing lingers, the greater the expansion in the pipe and the greater the danger. There are a few household tools that you may have handy that can be effective.

 

We’ve got all kinds of helpful homeowner hints when it comes to your plumbing and heating. We’d love to hear from you. Call the experts at Buds Plumbing And Repair Service at (812)-618-9638 today.