Avoiding Broken Water Pipes

7/22/2022 (Permalink)

As we all know and understand, winter and cold temperatures can cause pipes in your home to burst. As the colder weather steps-in, and temps drop across the nation, those that experience regular freezing temperatures are more susceptible to busting pipes and damage throughout the home/facility. There are
a few tips to help prevent this from happening.
In fact, freezing temperatures can significantly increase the odds of bursting pipes, and this is one of the most common causes of property damage to homes across the country. The most vulnerable pipes are those running thru unheated interior spaces, and those that back-up to an exterior wall. Even those that run thru cabinets and exterior walls can freeze as well. There are some simple steps to take that can significantly improve your odds and avoid broken water pipes.
Open kitchen and cabinet doors, this allows the warmer air to circulate around and in the plumbing areas
that are usually closed-off. Do this especially if your kitchen sink is up against an exterior wall. Always be sure to remove ANY chemicals/cleaners if you have any small children or pets in the home. Keep garage doors closed; some homes have plumbing pipes running thru the garage areas. Let cold-water drip from a faucet, keep your thermostat at no less than 55-degrees, and consider insulating your pipes from the cold air.
So, for not much more than a cup of coffee at a fast food restaurant, you can avoid the headache of broken water pipes, the clean-up involved, the loss of precious keep-sakes and your insurance
deductible. Definitely something to consider before Father Winter comes to town.