8 Tips to Avoid Frozen Pipes This Winter

Introduction

As winter’s chill sets in across Canada, plummeting temperatures significantly threaten your home’s plumbing system. The water coursing through your pipes can freeze, and since water expands upon freezing, this puts your pipes at risk of bursting, leading to potential extensive water and plumbing damage.

To safeguard your home from such cold-weather issues, it’s crucial to understand and implement strategies for preventing frozen pipes. This guide will offer 8 practical tips for protecting and maintaining your plumbing, as well as how professional plumbing services can help!

The Importance of Preventing Frozen Pipes

Water expands as it freezes, which can cause pipes to burst, leading to potential flooding and water damage within your home. The cost of repairing burst pipes and the ensuing water damage can be substantial, not to mention the inconvenience of being without water while repairs are made.

Preventative measures are cost-effective and save you from the hassle of dealing with emergency plumbing issues in the dead of winter.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

1. Keep the Heat On – Even if you plan to be away, ensure your home’s temperature never drops below 12°C. Keeping the heat on helps prevent the interior pipes from freezing, especially those in walls facing the exterior.
2. Allow Faucet Dripping – When temperatures plummet, allow a trickle of water to drip from faucets connected to pipes that run through unheated or vulnerable spaces. This slight water flow can prevent pressure build-up and reduce the risk of bursting pipes.
3. Open Cabinet Doors – Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing, especially if your sinks are on an exterior wall. This is a simple yet effective way to keep pipes from freezing.
4. Add Insulation – Pipes in attics, basements, and crawl spaces are especially susceptible to freezing. Adding insulation to these areas can keep them warmer and reduce the risk of freezing. For added protection, consider installing pipe insulation, a cost-effective solution that can prevent freezing even in the coldest temperatures.
5. Seal Leaks – Inspect your home for leaks or drafts near pipes, especially where utility services enter the house. Use caulk or insulation to seal these gaps, keeping cold and warm air out.
6. Keep Interior Doors Open – By keeping doors within your home open, you help circulate the heat more evenly throughout your home. This is particularly beneficial for ensuring that the heat reaches pipes located in rooms that are typically colder or have less insulation.
7. Apply Heating Tape – For pipes that are easily accessible and prone to freezing, consider applying heating tape. Heating tape works by directly applying heat to the pipe, keeping it warm during cold spells. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid any safety hazards.
8. Knowing When to Repipe – Outside of the above 7 tips, we also get it; the idea of repiping your home can be scary to many homeowners. The work involved and perceived cost can seriously dissuade anyone from investing in this service. But the fact is, repiping is often the better choice in many instances. This is where you need to rely on professional plumbing services in Peterborough.

Trust in Cardinal For Your Plumbing Services

Preventing frozen pipes during winter is essential for maintaining a comfortable and safe home environment. By following the steps outlined above, you can significantly reduce the risk of freezing and the potential for costly repairs. Remember, proactive measures are crucial to avoiding emergency plumbing situations.

Cardinal Home Services in Peterborough is ready to tackle all your plumbing services, from your bathroom to your kitchen and the outdoors. We are equipped with all the tools and updated on the latest trusted methods in the industry to ensure prompt and efficient services every time.

Need emergency plumbing? Call 705-745-1221 today!