As winter sets in, plummeting temperatures can wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing system. Frozen pipes are a common yet costly problem, leading to burst pipes, flooding, and expensive repairs. Fortunately, with a few preventative measures, you can protect your home from winter plumbing disasters. Here’s how you can prevent frozen pipes this winter.
Why Do Pipes Freeze?
Pipes freeze when the temperature drops below zero, causing the water inside to expand and exert pressure on the pipe walls. This pressure can lead to cracks or even burst pipes, resulting in water damage and costly repairs. The most vulnerable pipes are those in unheated areas such as lofts, basements, garages, and external walls.
How to Prevent Pipes from Freezing
- Insulate Your Pipes
One of the most effective ways to prevent freezing is by insulating exposed pipes. Pipe insulation foam or lagging is inexpensive and readily available at most hardware stores. Focus on pipes in cold or draughty areas, such as:
For extra protection, consider wrapping pipes in heat tape before applying insulation.
- Keep Your Heating On
Even if you’re away from home, it’s important to keep your heating on at a low setting. Maintaining a temperature of at least 12-15°C helps prevent pipes from freezing. If you’re leaving for an extended period, set your thermostat to turn on automatically to keep the house warm.
- Allow Warm Air to Circulate
Ensure warm air reaches pipes by opening kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors, especially at night. This allows heat to circulate around pipes under sinks and reduces the risk of freezing.
- Let Taps Drip Slightly
A slow trickle of water through a tap can help relieve pressure in pipes and prevent freezing. This is particularly useful during severe cold snaps when freezing is more likely.
- Seal Drafts and Gaps
Cold air can seep into your home through gaps around windows, doors, and pipe openings. Seal any cracks or gaps with caulking or weatherstripping to prevent cold air from reaching exposed pipes.
- Drain External Pipes and Taps
Before winter arrives, disconnect and drain garden hoses and shut off outdoor taps. If possible, use an indoor shut-off valve to prevent any remaining water from freezing inside outdoor pipes.
What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze
If you suspect a pipe has frozen, act quickly to prevent bursting:
- Turn off the main water supply to reduce damage if the pipe bursts.
- Try to thaw the pipe gently using warm towels, a hairdryer, or a space heater. Never use an open flame.
- Call Handy Squad if the pipe remains frozen or has already burst.
Don’t let frozen pipes disrupt your winter! Whether you need pipe insulation, leak repairs, or emergency plumbing services, Handy Squad is here to help.
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