Preventing Pipes from Freezing
To quote the last season of Game of Thrones, “Winter is here!” When the winter weather comes to South Carolina, it brings with it some opportunities to create wonderful memories. However, the cold weather also brings certain risks. The cold weather is a haven for all kinds of viruses, so we must be proactive to safeguard our health.
Not only do we need to protect our health, but our homes also need to be winterized!
The oncoming cold weather can place a great deal of pressure on our pipes. If they haven’t been properly prepared, this can cause them to burst, requiring extremely expensive repairs to the tune of $5,000 or more. That’s why ServiceMaster Fire & Water Restoration has prepared this easy to follow guide to help you prevent your pipes from freezing this winter.
Let It Drip, Let It Drip, Let It Drip!
If you have a faucet that’s connected to exposed pipes, let it drip. When the water pressure builds up, it becomes more vulnerable to freezing and can result in burst pipes. Running water through the pipes, even if it’s just a trickle, can help prevent them from freezing up.
Keep Your Thermostat Consistent.
Many households like to alternate between different temperatures throughout the day to save a little more money on their energy bill. While this is a great money saving hack for spring and summer, it’s a little less appropriate in winter. Keeping your home at a consistent temperature throughout the day and night can reduce your risk of freezing pipes.
You Can Leave Your Heat On!
Again, cost conscious households may prefer to shut down their heating when they go to work or the store. However, this can lower the temperature in your pipes and leave them more vulnerable to freezing. Leave the heat on in your home, setting your thermostat to a temperature no less than 55° F. Not only will this prevent frozen pipes, you will return to a warm and cozy home!
Keep Your Garage Doors Closed.
Not only is this an important home security measure, it can also help you prevent your pipes from freezing, especially if there are water supply lines leading into the garage. Closing the garage door protects the pipes from the harsh weather outside.
Open Your Kitchen and Bathroom Cabinets’ Doors.
Cabinets are cold and dark environments which can cause pipes to become colder than the internal temperature of your home. Keeping your cabinet doors open allows warmer air to circulate around your plumbing.
Please note that if you have small children or pets, be sure to remove any choking hazards as well as chemical cleaners or harsh household chemicals like bleach before leaving open cupboards unattended.
When in Doubt, Insulate.
For a more effective, long-term solution, consider adding insulation to pipes in your attic, basement, and any crawl spaces. Insulation will help keep the water in your pipes at a higher temperature in those areas.
Just a little preventative work can go a long way and save you a small fortune in repairs!