Winter Plumbing Tips: How to Protect Your Pipes From Freezing

Posted on: 7 December 2016

When most homeowners think about winter temperatures, the first thing that comes to mind is the condition of the furnace. While ensuring that the furnace is in proper working condition is critical in promoting a comfortable indoor environment, it is essential to look into your plumbing pipes as well. When temperatures drop below freezing, there is an increased chance of water freezing in your pipes. The frozen water can cause your pipes to burst and cause leaks, or in a worst-case scenario, cause flooding in the home. To prevent these inconveniences, it is essential to learn how to protect your pipes and prepare them for the winter.

Know your pipes

Most homeowners don't know the location of every foot of plumbing pipe in their home. This increases the chances of dealing with undetected burst pipes and leaks—a situation that can cause flooding in the home or cause water damage to ceilings and plasterboard. Knowing the location of every plumbing pipe in the home is the first step to protecting them during the winter. You can carry out regular inspections and ensure that every foot of the pipes is attended to as far as winter protection is concerned.

Insulate the pipes

Insulating your plumbing pipes is one of the most effective ways of protecting them from freezing. The temperatures that the pipes are exposed to will determine the type and amount of insulation that will be used. For instance, the pipes in the basement can be insulated by applying DIY techniques such as wrapping newspapers around them. However, for colder areas of the house, consider using professional insulation such as foam tube and heated tube. A professional plumber can help in assessing the location of the pipes and recommending the ideal insulation.

Keep the water running

Another strategy that you can use to prevent your pipes from freezing is by leaving the water to run. In fact, a small stream of water is often enough to keep your pipes from freezing when the temperatures are low. Although this may lead to wastage and increased utility bills, it can be better than dealing with leaking pipes and potential flooding in your home. The damage and cost of hiring a plumber for repairs may be more than what you'd incur by leaving your taps running for a few days.

Heat the pipes

There are some instances when a portion of the pipes may freeze even after taking the necessary precautions. When this happens, you can manually heat the pipes using a hair dryer to thaw the ice. However, do not use an open flame, as you could end up damaging the pipes instead.

Observe these measures to prepare and protect your pipes during the winter. You can also seek the professional help of a plumber to help you in ensuring that your entire plumbing system is winter-proof and to prevent emergencies.

Share