While most substances contract when they change from a liquid to a solid, water expands when it freezes. When this expansion occurs inside a container, such as a pipe, it can do real damage to that container, and often to the structures around it. If you find yourself dealing with frozen pipes this winter, you can turn to Emergency Restoration Xperts (ERX) to enlist our restoration services. However, there are also a number of precautions you can take to prevent frozen pipes; here are just a few:
- Open Cabinet Doors- One way to prevent frozen pipes is to leave the cabinets under your kitchen and bathroom sinks open. This allows warmer air to circulate around the plumbing and keep the water temperature above the freezing point. If you have young children, make sure to remove any cleaning chemicals from these cabinets to prevent accidents.
- Let Faucets Drip- Another thing you can do to prevent frozen pipes is to let your faucets drip overnight. We especially recommend using this method on faucets that are served by exposed pipes. Letting even a trickle of water run through the pipes will help prevent them from freezing, as the water molecules will not be able to form ice crystals as easily.
- Add More Insulation- Lastly, if you are looking for a long-term solution for frozen pipes, we recommend adding more insulation to your home. Installing insulation in your attic, basement, and crawlspace will keep the overall temperature of your home higher and make pipes less likely to freeze.
