When cold weather comes, pipes are vulnerable to freezing. When water freezes, it expands and can cause your pipes to burst. This can cause further issues with flooding or leaks. To prevent your pipes from freezing, there are several steps you can take. These simple and for the most part free, or inexpensive precautions can help you avoid frozen pipes and all the damage they can cause:
•Open cabinet doors – When you know temperatures are going to be dipping low, open your cabinet doors in the kitchen and bathrooms to allow the home’s warm air to circulate.
•Turn up the thermostat – You don’t need hot temperatures, but you do want to keep the thermostat set to at least 55 degrees or above, even if you will be on vacation.
•Winterize – Winterizing your outdoor water sources can be done by removing garden hoses and draining any water that leads to outdoor pipes.
•Insulate – You can put pipe insulation on areas that are not well heated such as attics, crawl spaces, or the garage.
•Seal cracks – If you have any cracks in your window seals or other areas that might let in cold air, have them sealed with caulk or another sealant.
•Start a drip – Even the smallest amount of running water can prevent frozen pipes. Turn both the hot and cold faucets on in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room.
If you discover that you do have frozen pipes, call the Xperts at Emergency Restoration Xperts (ERX). We provide 24/7 emergency services to help you minimize damage and get everything back in optimal condition.
