Winter has arrived, and that means bundling up to attempt to maintain warm. You may not understand it, but the pipes on your home require protection from the cold as well if the mercury drops down into the low 20s F.Here are some suggestions on how to stop your pipes from freezing and some tips on the best way to thaw them out safely if they do.
How to Keep Pipes from Freezing
Insulate Pipes: Insulate hot and cold water pipes within the crawlspace under your residence in addition to inside the basement, attic, and exterior walls (if accessible) with snap-on foam insulation. Make sure foam insulation fits tightly with out gaps. Apply duct tape to joints in insulation, and miter foam around elbows, so joints in pipes are completely covered.
Drip faucets in freezing weather
Heat Pipes: Contemplate wrapping dilemma pipes with UL approved heat tape that has a built-in thermostat to stop overheating. Follow the instructions that come with heat tape carefully to keep from causing a fire hazard.
Sprinkler System: Turn off your sprinkler program, and blow compressed air through the irrigation lines to drain the water.
Drip Faucets: Drip both hot and cold water at faucets in kitchen and bathroom. This not merely keeps water moving by means of the pipes, but relieves built-up water pressure inside the pipes if they should freeze. Set single lever faucets in the center so both hot and cold lines drip. Pay specific attention to pipes running in outside walls.
