Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are a potential concern for many homeowners every winter. The mistake that many homeowners make is that they turn the heat off when they leave their home for long periods of time. Another common mistake is to neglect to keep the water running during cold months. Forgetting to do one or both of these things could lead to frozen pipes which will then cause a flood in your basement. Not to mention the damage made to your foundation and personal belongings.

Keeping your heat on at all times is a crucial preventive action against frozen pipes. It is very common for people to turn the heat off when they are going to be away from the house for a few days. What every homeowner should know is that instead of turning the heat off, they should just turn it down. Without heat constantly warming your pipes, they will drop down to freezing levels. Positioning the heat at 50 degrees is enough to protect your pipes and also keep your heating bills low. Also, you could turn the water off to the house to eliminate the fear of leaving your home and coming back to a disaster.

Still water is another cause of frozen pipes. It is important to keep a faucet dripping, or just barely running, because moving water freezes at a lower temperature than still water. By keeping the water in your house moving, even if it’s only moving slightly, you will be preventing it from freezing.

Additional preventative measures include insulate your pipes and checking for leaks. Insulation is especially necessary if your pipes are below the home and exposed to winds and outdoor temperatures. These pipes definitely need a layer of insulation to keep them protected. This is a really simple solution to potential frozen pipes and it could save you thousands in the long run.

Frozen Pipes Lead To Leaky Pipes

Leaky pipes are usually an indication that they will burst soon, especially if they are exposed to freezing temperatures. It will save you a lot of money to detect a leaky pipe before it gets really bad. If you do find a leak, you should temporarily patch the problem with an absorbent cloth such as a towel or disposable diaper. This should contain the leak for about an hour, if it is leaking slowly. If the leak is coming out fast you should turn the water off to the house and call a plumber as soon as possible.

If you weren’t one of the lucky ones that caught the problem in its early stages, you will definitely have more to deal with. Once your pipes have become frozen and begin to burst you have no other choice but to turn the water off and call a plumber. Make sure to keep everyone away from the water because its cold temperatures could harm the people and pets in your home. It helps to dress in waterproof boots and rain gear and try to remove any items that are being exposed to the water. Not only will this protect the items from damage, but it will also help your plumber out when he has to make his way through the water in your basement.

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