How To Protect Your Home From Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are more than an inconvenience. They can cause serious damage to your home and property. Water expands when it freezes, meaning that frozen pipes can burst and lead to flooding. Flooding can then lead to other issues like mold growth and electrical damage. According to Tritan Plumbing, more than 250,000 families and homes experience frozen and/or burst pipes each year in the U.S. The good news is that there are some simple steps you can take to prevent your pipes from freezing in the first place. Read on to learn more about how you can prevent your pipes from freezing.

3 Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes

1. When temperatures drop below freezing, it is important to take steps to prevent your pipes from freezing. One of the best ways to do this is by keeping the heat on in your home, even if you’re going to be away for an extended period of time. A temperature of at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended in order to keep your pipes from freezing.

2. Insulate exposed pipes, especially those in unheated areas like attics, basements, and crawl spaces. You can use inexpensive materials like foam pipe insulation or newspaper to wrap around the pipes. This will help keep them warm and less likely to freeze during cold weather conditions.

3. Allowing faucets to drip slightly during colder weather helps relieve pressure on the pipes and prevents them from freezing. This is a simple step that can help keep your home safe during the winter months.

What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze

If your pipes do freeze, don’t panic! There are a few things you can do to thaw them out and get your water flowing again:

1. Turn on the faucet—this will help release any built-up pressure in the system and prevent the pipe from bursting when it thaws out.

2. Apply heat to the frozen section of pipe using a hair dryer, space heater, or heating pad set on low. Never use an open flame!

3. Once the ice has melted, open all of your faucets to help remove any residual water from the system.

Frozen pipes are a serious problem that can lead to flooding, mold growth, and electrical damage in your home. But there’s no need to panic! By following these simple tips, you can help prevent your pipes from freezing and protect your home from the dangers of flooding. If your pipes do freeze, don’t panic! There are a few things you can do to thaw them out and get your water flowing again. Remember to never use an open flame to heat up frozen pipes—this could lead to a dangerous fire hazard. With a little bit of preparation and caution, you can keep your home safe during cold weather conditions.

If you are in need of emergency service for a burst pipe or your pipes have frozen over and need assistance, contact us here!