Winter can be an exciting season for many, but it can also be a difficult one for homeowners. The cold weather can lead to frozen pipes, which can cause significant damage to a household. To prevent such issues, it’s essential to take some preventative measures before winter arrives.
Insulate Your Pipes
One of the most effective ways to prevent pipes from freezing is to insulate them. Insulate pipes that run through unheated areas, such as the basement, attic, or crawlspace. By insulating the pipes, you’re protecting them from the extreme cold, and you’re ensuring that they maintain their warmth.
Keep Your Home Warm
Another way to prevent frozen pipes is to keep your home warm. Your home’s internal temperature should not fall below 55°F. If you’re planning to go on holiday for an extended period, ensure you keep your home heated to prevent the water in your pipes from freezing.
Turn on Your Faucets
Turning on your faucet is one of the easiest ways to protect your pipes from freezing. A small, steady stream of water can help prevent your pipes from freezing because it enables water to move continuously in the pipes, making it difficult for the water to freeze.
Seal Any Cracks
Inspect your home thoroughly for any gaps, cracks, or openings around doors, windows, and crawlspaces. Seal them to prevent cold air from entering your home. Tiny openings can allow cold air into your home, which can cause your pipes to freeze.
Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
If you have a garden hose attached to the outdoor faucet, disconnect it before the onset of winter. When you leave the hose connected to the faucet during winter, water can easily freeze in the hose, leading to frozen pipes. Always drain the hose of any remaining water after use, as excess water can cause it to freeze.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
As a Winston-Salem homeowner, taking preventative measures to protect your pipes from freezing is essential. Frozen pipes can be a headache and are best avoided. Insulate your pipes, keep your home warm, turn on your faucets, seal any cracks or openings, and disconnect outdoor hoses.
Do you have a frozen pipe that needs to be addressed? Contact STOP Restoration in Winston-Salem for professional assistance. Our water damage restoration team can quickly and effectively thaw your frozen pipes and prevent any further damage to your home.
Don’t wait until it’s too late, take action now to protect your pipes from the cold winter weather. Remember, prevention is always better than cure! Stay warm and safe this winter season with these helpful tips for preventing frozen pipes.
