One of the messiest and most costly homeowner repair is fixing a burst pipe. Water from a burst pipe can cause damage to carpeting, short out electrical appliances and ruin furniture. As temperatures drop, the risk of frozen pipes increases in your home. Luckily, we have 6 tips to help you avoid frozen pipes.
#1 Your Thermostat
Set your thermostat to at least 55 degrees F. The lower the temperature of your home, the more likely your pipes will freeze. If you are away on vacation, have someone check on your home to make sure your furnace is running and that you home is at least 55 degrees F.
#2 Insulate Pipes
Insulate exposed pipes with insulation material such as foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves.
#3 Open Cabinet Doors
Open any cabinets that contain exposed pipes to allow warm air from your home to circulate around the pipes.
#4 Use your Faucets
Allow your faucets to drip or occasionally trickle a little water to help relieve pressure in the pipes and prevent them from bursting.
#5 Seal any Cracks
Seal any cracks in the foundation or any outside walls to prevent cold air from seeping into your home.
#6 Shut-Off Valves
Locate all shut-off valves, so if a pipe were to burst, you could quickly turn off water to prevent water damage.
If you turn on a faucet and no water or only a trickle comes out, your pipes may be frozen. Turn off the main water valve and keep the faucet on. Apply heat to the pipe by using an electric heating pad, hair dryer or portable space heater, or by wrapping the pipe in towels soaked in hot water. You should apply heat until you regain water pressure. If this does not solve the problem, contact a licensed plumber to inspect your pipes.
Our friends at Encova Insurance also have some great tips on this same subject. Click Here to read what they have to say.