Easy Ways to Prevent Burst Pipes

October 18, 2018 By Abbate Blogging Team No comments yet Easy Ways to Prevent Burst Pipes

Protect your pipes from freezing and then bursting this coming winter.

The temperatures are beginning to drop and that means homeowners have one constant headache – the thought of frozen pipes. When water in a pipe freezes, the molecules expand, ripping the pipe open. When the water returns to liquid form, it often results in flooding from the burst pipe. We can all agree this is not one of the best circumstances we want to encounter over the holidays! To prevent burst pipes, check out our handy tips.

Insulate pipes in your home’s crawl spaces and attics, even if the weather forecast says that the chance of freezing is unlikely. Exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing. Remember that the more insulation you use, the better protected your pipes will be.

Wrap pipes in heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables. This will prevent pipes from freezing in the first place. Be sure you only use products approved by an independent testing organization, and only for the use intended (exterior or interior).

Seal leaks that allow cold air inside where pipes are located. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes. Use caulk or insulation to block out the cold air. When the temperature outside drops, even the smallest of openings can be enough to let the cold air to cause a pipe to freeze.

Drain garden pipes before the cooler temperatures arrive. Turn off the outdoor water supply and then turn on the hoses and outdoor pipes to drain the water. This reduces the chance of freezing.

Run the heating in your house regularly. Set it to no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit, even if you’re going out of town for a couple of days.

If your pipes do freeze, call a plumber immediately. Never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame or torch. If your pipes have burst, turn off the main water supply as soon as possible.