Cold temperatures during the wintertime, regardless of where you live, can bring the threat of frozen pipes. Should the pipes inside or under your home freeze, it creates too much pressure for the pipe and generally causes the pipe to burst. Unless noticed, it can lead to flooding and serious water damage. While you will have to call for repairs from a plumber Frisco TX company, there are a few preventative measures you can take to avoid this problem.
Always Keep Your Heat On
Many people are tempted to turn off their heat when they go out of town or away for the day, but it is the heat from your house that plays a significant role in keeping the pipes from freezing. You don’t have to turn the heat on as high as if you were home, but it should at least be kept above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Even though water freezes at 32 degrees, there is some loss of heat between where the pipes are buried or located between the walls.
Let the Water Drip
If there is still a fear that your pipes will freeze, you can turn the nozzle on a sink slightly and create a slow drip. Pipes burst because of pressure that is created once a blockage occurs, but an open faucet releases some of this pressure. You may have to open both hot and cold faucets a little bit, while you can set a single-handle faucet to warm.
Allow Heat to Reach the Pipes
The kitchen is one of the most common places to find water pipes, but they are located behind the cabinets and walls. By opening up the cabinet doors, you allow the heat to reach the pipes more easily and consistently. You should also keep the interior doors of the house open, including closet doors, to keep the warm air circulation throughout your home.
Fix Any Holes or Cracks
Take care to seal around your foundation or in the basement where holes or crack are seen. Letting in the cold air sabotages your efforts to keep the pipes warm. You may find there are cracks inside as well, and you can use spray foam insulation or caulk to fill these gaps. Always fill the holes or cracks from both the interior and exterior sides of the wall or doors. This provides a double seal.
By taking these preventative measures, you can avoid the catastrophe that often accompanies frozen pipes. Don’t wait until the cold temperatures come to protect your pipes.
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