Prevent your pipes from freezing

1/6/2020 (Permalink)

warning winter sign for frozen pipes

When temperatures drop in the rigid winter days, your pipes are at risk of freezing over and causing a water damage in your home or business.  Pipes are at risk once temperatures reach 20 degrees.  Pipes freezing is the most common cause for water damages in the winter months.  Pipes at the greatest risk are the ones in unheated areas of the home or business.  However your exterior pipes in the wall can also freeze.  Take the proper precautions to prevent your pipes from freezing over.  

Pipe insulation is approximately 50 cents per linear foot at any local hardware stores.  Also, as unusual as it may seem, having your faucet running to a slow drip of water is said to prevent frozen pipes in the winter.  This may sound like wasting water or increasing your water bill, however it would be more expensive dealing with the aftermath of a water loss.  Keeping your heater on at consistent temperature during the day and night helps to prevent frozen pipes.  At the very least the temperature in the home should never drop below 55 degrees, even if you decide to leave your home or business for a long duration of time. 

If you suspect your pipes are frozen, be cautious as you attempt to thaw out the pipes as you may already have a pipe break.  Slowly thaw out using an electric heating pad, electric hair dryer, or an electric heater.  Never use a direct flame to any pipe as this could cause damage to the structure of the pipe.