Tips for Avoiding Frozen Pipe Disasters
Nobody ever wants to be stuck in a situation where pipes fail on the coldest night of the year. Frozen pipes not only leave the house freezing but can get very costly. With temperatures dropping, it is very easy to forget how fragile pipes can be. Frozen pipes can rupture and lead to a whole world of problems. Here are some tips that will help to keep pipes from becoming victim to the cold this winter.
Heat Tape to the Rescue
One trick that homeowners can use to ensure that pipes don’t freeze is to apply heat tape. Heat tape supplies heat directly to the pipe when there is a chance that the temperatures will be cold enough to freeze your pipes. The tape is most effective in smaller sections of pipes that are at a higher risk of freezing. Tape should be applied in areas that can be easily accessed to monitor the situation.
Two different kinds of heat tape can be applied to certain parts of the piping system. One type of heat tape will automatically turn on or off depending on how cold the temperature is outside. The other type of heat tape needs to be plugged in when you want to apply heat. Similar to a space heater, homeowners should keep an eye on the pipes when heat tape is turned on.
Add Additional Insulation
Homeowners can try to insulate pipes in colder parts of the house to avoid a frozen pipe repair. It would be best to insulate pipes that are in the open. It can be a bit more challenging to insulate pipes that are located behind walls, in ceilings, or under the floor.However, this could be an additional way to try to protect the pipes in the home. Another trick is to fit pipes with foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves. This can be a rather inexpensive solution for those pipes out in the open.
It is important to remember, however, that insulation does not prevent pipes from freezing. Its main purpose is to try to keep the pipes at the same temperature as the water inside of them. If the pipes are exposed to freezing conditions for an extended period of time, there is a good chance the pipes may still freeze.
Dripping Faucets Are an Easy Defense
A final tip for homeowners is to allow faucets to slowly drip into the plumbing water cycle during frigid temperatures. There only needs to be a slight drip to be effective. When a pipe does freeze, it is because of the pressure that builds up between the blockage and the faucet.
When the faucet is open, the pressure is reduced and will help to protect the pipe from bursting. Even if the faucet has both a hot and cold knob, it is important to turn both on far enough to drip. This helps to keep the balance between both temperatures.
About B&L Plumbing
B&L Plumbing is dedicated to providing the best service possible to its customers through workmanship, top-notch products, and best in class service that can always be expected from its employees. B&L Plumbing offers 24/7 services because plumbing problems can happen at any time!
