When winter weather starts to creep in, it's essential to take precautions to keep your home and family safe. While it is best to winterize your home in the Fall, if time has gotten away from you, there are still a few things you can do to help make sure your pipes don't freeze! Here are five tips to help you do just that:
1.) Keep your home warm - The easiest way to prevent your pipes from freezing is to keep your home at a consistent temperature. If you can maintain a temperature of at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit, you'll be much less likely to have any problems.
2.) Open cabinet doors below sinks - This will allow heat from the room to circulate the pipes. This will not necessarily help pipes hidden in the wall or under the home directly but, in general, will help keep the water flowing.
3.) Let water drip from faucets - A continuous drip will prevent the water from stagnating and freezing. Aim to have about five drips per minute, so you are not wasting water.
4.) Insulate exposed piping with foam or pipe sleeves available at most hardware stores. No time to get to the store? Warm towels can also do the trick.
5.) If you do experience a frozen pipe, thaw it gradually with hot water or by using a blow dryer. If you thaw it with a blow dryer, be sure to check the pipe periodically for signs of further damage and wear and tear.
After exhausting all your options, if you still find that your pipes are starting to freeze, it is best to turn off the main water supply immediately. Be sure to check external water sources too! Not correctly closing these up can cause water to continue to enter the system and cause more damage once the pipes eventually thaw.
We hope these tips will help keep your home safe from those pesky frozen pipes!