Avoid Frozen Pipes This Winter
Temperatures are dropping across the country, and the risk of frozen pipes is looming. Understanding how to keep your pipes from freezing is an important part of preparing for winter. Fixing a frozen pipe before it bursts is imperative because once a pipe bursts it can cause expensive water damage.
The good news is that by following a few simple precautions, you’re well on your way to avoiding burst frozen pipes this winter. Read on to learn of three simple ways to winterize your home and prevent frozen pipes.
Use Heat Tape on Pipes
Heat tape can be used to help keep your pipes warm in the winter, thus preventing frozen pipes from happening. There are different types of heat tape, depending on your home and your needs.Self-regulating heat cable can be cut to any length and wrapped around your pipes to keep them warm in the winter. It changes heat settings based on the surrounding temperature, making it energy efficient.
Non-regulated heat cable must be hooked up to a thermostat, and can also be cut to any size. Both types of heating cables require an end plug and an outlet. Because heat tape keeps your pipes warm, they are very handy to have when temperatures start to drop below freezing.
Insulate Your Pipes
Insulating your pipes can be an easy and cost-effective way to reduce your chances of winding up with a burst pipe. Insulating pipes that are along the exterior of the house or in unheated garages or crawl spaces is the most important. It is easiest to use pipe thermal insulation, which is made of a type of foam and can be installed easily by yourself.
Other types of insulation, like fiberglass and mineral wood, can be more expensive and require the work of a professional. However, they may be more efficient than DIY thermal insulation.
Because many of the insulation options you choose for your pipes go directly on them, it’s important to have a good understanding of what your plumbing system needs. Talk to your local plumbing professional to find out which type of insulation is right for your home.
Keep a Small Drip of Water Running
When temperatures get frosty out, a good way to keep your pipes from freezing is to keep a small drip of water constantly running in each of your faucets. It is important to keep the drip of water as small as possible to avoid wasting water and increasing your water bill.But by keeping a small drip running, you can prevent blocks of ice from forming within the pipes. It is also important to keep your eye out for cold water when trying to turn on hot water. If water that should be running warm is colder than expected, this might be a sign that ice is building up in the pipes.
When in doubt, consult your local plumbing professionals. A burst pipe can be one of the most damaging issues you can face in your home. Getting immediate attention is essential to limiting property damage and protecting your home,
Want Help Winterizing Your Home? Contact a Pro!
Alberta Indoor Comfort is the leading plumbing company in the Calgary area. Whether you need to fix a broken water pipe, make your kitchen or bathroom ADA-compliant, install a new furnace, or anything in between, put your trust in their expert staff.
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