The Ohio Valley weather can fluctuate between 20 degrees and 70 degrees in 24 hours. Because we have had unseasonable weather, it’s easy to forget to take preparations for the cold days that come in quickly. Protecting your pipes during cold temperatures remains an important precaution in any home. March is known for coming in like a lion. Until we reach the heart of Spring, your pipes may be at risk of sustaining damage – breaks and ruptures which can require costly repairs to your plumbing or to your home because of water damage.
Protecting Your Pipes from the Cold In And Around Your Home
With the wild weather expected this weekend, we thought it would be a good idea to brush up on some tips to protect your pipes.
1. Keep your thermostat high enough to prevent freezing. The greatest and most consistent source of heat in most homes today is the HVAC system that pushes warm air throughout the house. Of course, keeping temperatures up requires fuel, which can become expensive over the long-term. In an effort to keep costs down, many people adjust their thermostats to a lower temperature while they are away from home or at night while sleeping.
In circumstances where extreme cold is expected, keeping your thermostat at a constant, relatively warm temperature is one of the best ways to prevent frozen pipes. The heating bill may be higher, but you will avoid the expensive repairs that often come with burst pipes.
2. Let the faucet drip.
The interior heat in your home is usually not enough to keep exposed pipes, like those running up the walls, from freezing. One of the most tried and true ways to protect such pipes is to leave the faucet dripping. It only takes a little water flow to help avoid a hard freeze.
3. Open up cabinets containing pipes.
By opening up the cabinets in your bathroom and your kitchen, you allow warm air to circulate around the pipes inside.
4. Avoid clogged pipes.
The water in your pipes is most likely to freeze when it is not moving. A clogged drain creates the perfect circumstances for freezing, which is why you want to keep your pipes cleared and flowing freely as much as you can throughout the winter. Whether you use homemade cleaners or store-bought options, take a look at each of your drains and try to unclog them if you notice standing water.
5. Try to space out the use of the shower.
Whether you love your water heater for all the hot water it provides, or you wish you had a better one so you could take longer showers, you can help avoid frozen pipes by leaving time in between showers. Traditional water heaters maintain the right amount of hot water and pressure when they are used periodically, as opposed to having everyone shower in a row.
What To Do If Your Pipes Do Freeze
Despite your best efforts, you may still wake up to discover that one or more of your faucets doesn’t work. Pipes along the outside of the house are especially prone to freezing. If you do find your pipes frozen, you should:
1. Open the faucet.
If you can heat up the frozen pipe sufficiently, the water will start to melt and begin to flow out the faucet, helping to further thaw the ice.
2. Carefully apply heat to the frozen pipe.
If you can find the source of the problem and get to the pipe, you can try to heat it up using a hair dryer, a heating pad or some other heat source that is relatively gentle – not a torch or other open flame. You want to keep the heat going until you regain water pressure similar to what you had before.
3. Contact a plumber.
If you cannot find the source of the problem, or you you can’t get the pipe to thaw, request an appointment with our plumbers here. Getting a quote from us is an easy experience. We offer thorough assessments, customized to your needs. Learn more about that here.
Who knows what the weather will be like one day to the next. We can make it through the rest of the season with preparation and the right mindset. We’re here to help with any questions you may have. Contact us right away with your questions about protecting your pipes, for assistance in thawing them or any other plumbing issues.