Precautions That Can Help Prevent Frozen Pipes

1/23/2022 (Permalink)

Insulate your pipes

Prevent Frozen Pipes

With the onset of winter in Batavia, IL, there are many things to look forward to holidays, snuggling with cider and a good book, sledding, and a myriad of other frosty activities. Frigid winter weather, however, can wreak havoc on household plumbing. Unprotected pipes can rupture with the drop in temperature, leaving you with a wet mess and damage to your belongings or your structure. Frozen pipes can be prevented by taking a few simple steps.

How To Prevent Frozen Pipes

Securing your plumbing doesn’t have to be a chore. There are many basic strategies you can use:

• Insulate pipes and fittings with foam sheets or fiberglass
  
• Keep the surrounding room warm
  
• Leave cabinet doors open
  
• Turn faucets on to a slow drip or trickle
  
  

Evaluate your home to discover where you may need additional insulation to prevent a pipe freeze. For instance, kitchen, bathroom or laundry room plumbing fixtures on the outer wall will be more vulnerable than those located on an inner wall. Garage sinks or outdoor faucets with connected hoses are also prime areas for problems.

Make sure to set your home’s thermostat high enough to keep these rooms and areas warm. A space heater may help you achieve this. Opening the cabinet doors to expose water lines to warmth during extreme temperature drops can also prevent pipe freeze. Allow the faucets in these areas to drip or slowly trickle to keep the drains open and water flowing freely.

What To Do When Pipes Freeze

If frozen pipes do occur, call on restoration professionals in Batavia, IL, to help you save as much of your home and belongings as possible. They can assist you in drying out carpet and flooring, securing structural materials and initiating water cleanup to prevent mold or rot. Removing moisture properly can make the difference between restoring or replacing wet items. To stop water problems in the first place, be sure to follow the steps outlined above and enjoy the winter weather!