Keep Pipes From Freezing This Winter With These Simple Steps

How to Prepare Your Pipes for Winter

Leaves aren’t the only things falling this season. As temperatures drop in the following months, homeowners may wonder if there’s anything they need to do to prepare their homes for the freezing cold of winter. For most homeowners, the plumbing system is one of the most vulnerable things in their home. 

Pipes supply water and remove sewage from the house and are, therefore, subject to risks associated with temperature fluctuations. In extremely cold weather, the liquid they carry can freeze, which can cause frozen pipes and risks like pipe bursts. The good news is that frozen pipes and the associated risks can be avoided, and this post will discuss how. 

Reasons to Avoid Frozen Pipes

There are many practical reasons to prevent frozen pipes, one of the most important being that frozen pipes can burst or crack. This is because when the water inside the lines freezes, it expands. Without room in the pipe for expansion, the ice that forms causes a cracked or burst pipe, and no homeowner wants to deal with the problem of a pipe burst because it can lead to a whole other set of issues that aren’t just difficult and time-consuming to resolve but can also cost a lot to fix. 

These issues stem mainly from the water damage that comes from a leak or pipe burst. Water flooding or leaking from a damaged pipe can create mold growth, warped wood, and structural damage - all serious safety concerns for those who live in the home. Additionally, leaks and burst pipes lead to a spike in water bills. 

Advantages of Adding Insulation to Pipes

Investing in pipe insulation is the best way to prevent this from happening. Pipe insulation is the method of wrapping the piping with insulating material to slow temperature changes or lengthen the time it takes for water in the pipes to change its state - especially when water in the plumbing isn’t moving. 

No matter the material it is made of, pipe insulation has clear benefits. Not only does it prevent pipes from freezing, but it also helps water retain its temperature for longer periods, which has the added value of helping homeowners save money on their utility bills. Insulating pipes can also extend their lifespan by preventing condensation leading to pipe corrosion. 

Additional Frozen Pipe Prevention Methods

Pipe insulation is a great way to prevent frozen pipes, but is not the only way. Using this method with other frozen pipe prevention techniques gives homeowners a better chance at protecting their lines from the winter freeze. These methods include:

• Open the cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow warm air to circulate inside cabinets that contain plumbing.
• Keep garage doors closed, especially if the garage is not heated, and keep doors inside the home open or ajar to allow heat to circulate.
• Keep taps just the tiniest bit open during freezing temperatures. This will allow water to drip slowly and create liquid movement within the pipes, helping prevent water from freezing easily.

About Honest Abe's Home Services

Honest Abe's Home Services is a plumbing, air conditioning, and heating company serving Osage Beach and the surrounding areas. They offer 24/7 response, flat rate pricing, and honest advice. Call them today for plumbing services or burst pipe repair in Osage Beach, MO. 

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