As temperatures continue to drop below zero, many unlucky people have freeze breaks in their homes due to frozen pipes. Burst pipes cause flooding and can displace you from your home for months at a time. But, as a homeowner, there are things that you can do to make sure this doesn’t happen. This week, we’re talking about a few different ways you can prevent frozen pipes.

Insulate Your Pipes

Insulating your pipes may not completely prevent any problems, but it is a relatively inexpensive option that will delay issues by maintaining higher temperatures in problem areas. Frozen temperatures will usually not get through the insulation to the pipes quickly enough to start the freezing process. There are some great heat tapes on the market that you can wrap your pipes in, and some of them even plug into the wall to maintain a high temperature.

Disconnect Your Hose

Disconnecting garden hoses from outdoor faucets is crucial to prevent a burst pipe. After draining your hose, make sure to close any shut-off valves. Even frostproof outdoor faucets can burst if a hose is connected for too long.

Let Your Faucets Drip

If you suspect your pipes aren’t insulated very well, turning your faucet on and letting it drip (even at a trickle) helps prevent them from freezing. 

Keep Doors Open

Opening your vanity or cabinet doors can help prevent freezing pipes. It allows for warm air to reach your pipes quicker than usual. 

Use An Insulating Bucket

If you have old yard hydrants that stick up out of the ground, it may be a good idea to go out and wrap them with insulation or towels when temperatures start to freeze. Covering them with a five-gallon bucket will help keep it from freezing as fast as it usually would. 

Conclusion

Burst pipes are a nightmare but are also avoidable with the proper precautions. Have questions about protecting your home from freeze breaks? Contact us today!