Prevent Frozen Pipes | Fall Maintenance Tips
Frozen pipes can happen to any home or business, but if you take the proper steps to protect them, you can lessen your risk.
Obviously, frozen pipes will occur more often to those pipes that are exposed to severe cold and wind.
These include your garden hose, hoses in crawl spaces, attics, basements and pipes that run outside the wall of your home. If these pipes are not insulated, you will be more prone to have some frozen pipes.
Top Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes
Why do we get Frozen Pipes?
As water starts to freeze, it expands and creates pressure inside whatever is holding it – such as a hose or pipe. You would think the pipes would be strong enough to hold in this pressure, but eventually, these pipes can freeze and break.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
These steps should be taken before winter:
Garden Hoses:
- Drain garden hoses, roll them up and store in garage or warm environment to prevent cracking
- Tap and Insulate the hose pipe that runs from the wall with a solar blanket or fitted box
Pools & Sprinklers:
- Drain the water from your pool and sprinkler
- Store your sprinkler in a warm environment
Pipes in crawl spaces, attics or basements:
- Insulate any exposed pipes – the more insulation, the better.
- Heat tape or thermostatically-controlled heat cables can be used to wrap pipes.
- You can also use fiberglass or tubular sleeve insulation
- Seal leaks that allow cold air inside near where pipes are located by using caulk
If your pipes freeze:
- If you turn on your faucets and nothing comes out, leave the faucets turned on and call a plumber
- If you think your pipes have frozen, turn off your water at the main shut valve and leave faucets turned on until a professional arrives.
Taking a few easy steps can help prevent frozen pipes in your home. Not only do frozen pipes tend to cause costly repair bills, but you will be super cold until you can get them fixed!
For more tips, please visit the Lawn & Garden Section of our website!
