Keeping the Home Safe From Frozen Pipes

Tips to Prevent Pipes Freezing and Bursting 

The summer is gone, and most people are excited about the change in seasons. However, it won’t be too long before everyone is tired of the cold and yearning for spring. Winter can be hard on many things, especially the home, and the plumbing can be particularly vulnerable. 

Frigid temperatures threaten to freeze pipes, denying people in the home access to water and opening the house up to risks like a burst pipe and water damage. To avoid these problems, take advice from local experts. Here are some tips for preventing frozen pipes during the winter and the risks of frozen pipes. 

Why Are Frozen Pipes Bad? 

Frozen pipes are bad enough by themselves. During the winter, piping can freeze, preventing access to water until properly thawed. While losing water service is inconvenient, it's not the worst that can happen due to pipes freezing. Burst pipes can occur due to frozen pipes. 

Water within pipes expands as it freezes, exerting pressure on the walls of piping and causing them to rupture. This can cause high water bills, flooding in the nearby area, and water damage to floors, walls, and property. Repairing burst pipes and the damage they can cause can be a significant expense, so it’s best to avoid frozen pipes altogether. 

How Does Pipe Insulation Help?

Luckily for homeowners, preventing frozen pipes can be easy with the right tactics. The first step that every plumber will recommend to prepare the plumbing for winter and to avoid freezing is to insulate piping or replace older insulation that has degraded. Pipe insulation is a cheap and effective solution to prevent frozen pipes. 

While the primary goal of insulating pipes is to prevent them from freezing during cold weather, other benefits come with it, including: 

• Reduces Heat Loss: Insulated pipes are better at retaining heat than uninsulated ones, meaning that hot water stays hot for longer, reducing the need to heat the water constantly. This leads to energy savings.
• Prevents Condensation: Insulating pipes also helps prevent condensation from forming outside cold pipes. When the temperature of humid air meets a cold surface, it cools down, causing moisture to form, which can cause pipe damage and mold growth over time. Insulation acts as a barrier, preventing the cold pipes from coming into contact with the surrounding air.
• Reduces Noise: Plumbing pipes can often create noise when water flows through them due to vibrations caused by the pressure of moving water. Insulating the pipes can reduce this noise significantly.
• Extends the Lifespan of Pipes: Insulated pipes are less likely to experience wear and tear due to extreme temperatures, which can lead to leaks and other plumbing issues. Therefore, insulating pipes can help extend their lifespan and reduce the need for repairs.

More Prevention Tips 

Pipe insulation is a cheap and easy way to help prevent frozen pipes, but it isn’t the only way. Always use professionals for plumbing work who will adhere to local plumbing codes. Plumbing codes are designed to protect piping from local weather conditions upon installation. 

More ways that homeowners can help prevent frozen pipes and burst pipes are: 

• Open interior doors and cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate and reach the pipes.
• Keep the home at a consistent temperature, and even when away from home, the thermostat should be set to at least 55°F if it’s cold outside. 
• Remove outdoor garden hoses, drain them, and consider getting outdoor faucet covers. 
• Leave faucets dripping that are connected to vulnerable, exposed pipes during extremely cold temperatures. 

About Henco Plumbing Services

Henco Plumbing Services is an award-winning plumbing company serving Ridgefield and the surrounding areas. They offer same-day service, flat-rate pricing, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them for plumbing services or burst pipe repair in Ridgefield, WA. 

• 
  +