Help Prevent the Pipes From Freezing in Cold Weather
The season has officially turned a corner, and with fall weather gently beginning to herd most people indoors, one cannot help but think about the depths at which these temperatures could drop once winter finally arrives. This is a signal for homeowners to begin winterizing their homes and plumbing to prevent problems like frozen pipes and potential consequences like a burst pipe.
Preventing frozen pipes is one of the most important things a homeowner can do to prepare for the colder days ahead, and one that plumbing experts, who have witnessed firsthand the perils of a frozen pipeline, cannot emphasize enough. Here are the dangers of frozen pipes and ways to prevent them.
Frozen Pipes and Their Potential Hazards
There is a good reason why experts sound the alarm early. Not all water supply pipes are located indoors. There are pipes exposed to the elements, and some others are located indoors where heating is insufficient to keep it from freezing when temperatures drop. When the water inside these pipes freezes, it expands, which can cause a rupture or crack in the lines, leading to a burst pipe or leak. When frozen pipes cause a leak or pipe burst, they can wreak havoc in the home and cause extensive water damage to the home’s interior and even its foundation.
Furniture and appliances can get soaked and damaged. Walls, ceilings, and floors could get waterlogged. Mold and mildew can grow and become a health hazard. The home’s structural integrity could even be compromised. All these water damages can be costly to repair, and often, the best way to save oneself from all this trouble is to prevent it from happening in the first place by avoiding frozen pipes.
Pipe Insulation to the Rescue
For this particular problem, a homeowner’s best line of defense is pipe insulation. Not only is it an effective way to prevent freezing, but it also has many additional benefits, making it a worthwhile project. Here are some of the advantages of insulating pipes besides preventing frozen pipes:
- Minimizes heat loss and energy use: Insulation helps water inside the pipes retain its temperature for longer, leading to greater efficiency and reducing energy costs.
- Combats condensation and corrosion: Pipe insulation also helps reduce condensation and moisture on the pipes, which can rust and corrode pipes, so insulation can help extend the lifespan of piping.
Some More Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes
Pipe insulation isn’t the be-all and end-all of frozen and burst pipe prevention. Other methods to prevent frozen pipes include keeping temperatures indoors even during the day and night, keeping garage doors closed, allowing warm air to circulate inside the cabinets under kitchen and bathroom sinks by opening them, and, on the coldest of days, allowing water to drip or trickle out of taps that to connect to pipes at risk of freezing.
By following these tips, homeowners can help avoid losing water service from frozen pipes and help prevent the problems frozen pipes can cause, like leaks and burst pipes. If homeowners are looking for additional ways to protect their pipes or are dealing with these pipe issues, they should reach out to a local plumber.
About Neighborhood Plumbing & Drain
Neighborhood Plumbing & Drain is a locally owned, family-operated company serving Lakeway and the surrounding areas. They offer prompt and professional service, the latest technology, and a satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for plumbing services or burst pipe and leak repair in Lakeway, TX.