As you put together your checklist for home maintenance, consider adding pipes to the list. Frozen pipes can bring on a world of trouble so it’s best to protect them before the cold air of fall and winter have the chance to do any damage.
Why do pipes freeze?
When you put water into a freezer to make ice cubes, you’ll notice the cubes are slightly larger than the amount of water added to each slot. This is because water expands as it starts to freeze. The same thing happens when a pipe freezes; water expands which can burst the pipes, leaving thousands of dollars worth of damages.
Not just for cold climates
It’s crucial to protect your pipes from freezing, even if you’re not living in a cold climate. By adding insulation, you can prevent pipes from freezing in the chance temperatures drop from the season or from an unexpected storm.
Allow the faucet to drain
When the temperature drops below freezing, allowing the faucet to drain can help to prevent the water pipes from bursting. To complete this on outdoor faucets, turn off the water supply, remove the hose, let the faucet run until it stops and then turn the faucet off.
Keep the heat on
Staying warm during colder seasons is a must, not just for everyone in the house, but also for your pipes. Keeping the heat on can keep pipes warm enough to prevent freezing.
By taking these steps, you can forego damages to your pipes during the winter months.