How To Prevent Frozen Water Pipes

Freezing weather can bring a lot of excitement! There’s ice skating, homemade ice cream, and bright white snow. But as the temperatures continue to drop and things start freezing, many homeowners worry about how to prevent frozen water pipes. We’ll discuss how to prevent this from happening to you!

What are frozen water pipes usually a result of?

Frozen water pipes are usually the result of the water inside the pipe freezing due to low temperatures. Water expands as it freezes, and this expansion can cause the pipe to burst or become damaged. Your pipes usually don’t become frozen until it reaches well below freezing for an extended period.

What are the risks?

The risks of frozen pipes increase in areas with cold winters and in homes that are not properly insulated or heated. Here in the midsouth if we get a deep freeze we are in extreme exposure to these risks.

Why are they bad for you & your home?

It is bad for a frozen pipe to burst because it can cause significant damage to your home and property. When a pipe bursts, the water inside it is released and can flood the surrounding area. This can lead to water damage to your walls, floors, and possessions. Water damage can be expensive to repair and can also pose a risk to the structural integrity of your home. Finally, a busted pipe can be a major inconvenience. It can disrupt your daily routine and require you to make unexpected repairs that cost time and money.

Can You Thaw Your Pipes On Your Own?

One myth about frozen pipes is that they can be thawed by applying heat directly to the outside of the pipe. While applying heat to the outside of the pipe may help to melt the ice inside the pipe, it can also cause the pipe to become overheated and potentially burst. This is because the heat can cause the water inside the pipe to expand, which can increase the pressure inside the pipe and cause it to burst. It is generally safer to indirectly apply heat to the pipe by warming the air around it with a hair dryer or using a heating pad or electric blanket wrapped around it. It is also important to thaw pipes slowly and gradually to prevent them from bursting.

What Else Should You Know About Frozen Pipes?

If your pipes freeze, turn off the main valve inside your house. You should notify your locate utility company that supplies your water. They typically have an emergency number you can call and report (like Memphis Light, Gas & Water). Though typically they’re not harmful, professionals can usually prevent pipes from becoming dangerous to you. However, if a frozen pipe is discovered you should tend to it immediately. It will become an emergency if it bursts, easily damaging floors, appliances, and other valuables. Flooring Solutions is also happy to help walk you through this process over the phone. We can provide phone numbers and resources, just give us a call by clicking the button below.

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6 Steps To Prevent Frozen Water Pipes

Keep your thermostat set to a consistent temperature: Maintaining a consistent, warm temperature in your home can help prevent your pipes from freezing.
Insulate your pipes: Insulating your pipes with materials such as foam pipe insulation or heat tape can help keep them warm and prevent freezing. Be sure to insulate any pipes that are exposed to the elements. Those are typically located in unheated areas like basements, garages, or crawl spaces.
Keep cabinet doors open: If you have pipes under sinks or in other areas prone to freezing, consider keeping the cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses: Disconnecting and draining outdoor hoses can help prevent them from freezing and bursting.
Leave faucets dripping: Allowing a slow, steady stream of water to flow through your pipes can help prevent them from freezing.
Seal up cracks and openings: Check your home for cracks and openings around windows, doors, and pipes. Seal them up with caulk or weatherstripping to help keep cold air out.