7 Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes this Winter

Winter is coming, and it is coming in hard! While it can be exciting to welcome winter again, it also poses problems that you should be prepared to handle. Whether it’s snow blocking your driveway or frozen pipes, you should be prepared for winter. Aside from the holiday cheer, make sure that your pipes won’t get frozen. Otherwise, you won’t be able to enjoy winter at all. 

So, if you want to avoid serious risks from frozen pipes, you’re in the right place. We have gathered everything you need to know in preventing frozen pipes this winter. Let’s jump right in! 

How do you protect pipes from freezing? 

Here is a brief list that you can follow in preparing for the coming of winter. 

Insulate pipes

Make sure to insulate pipes by turning up the heat. Pipe insulation is the process of adding a layer of insulation to piping that will keep the water from turning to ice. If the pipe is inside the wall or within the kitchen or bathroom sink cabinets, open the cabinet door to allow the heat to reach the wall. You can also do insulation by adding foam insulation wraps. 

Keep the heat on 

Keep the heat to avoid high water pressure build-up that may lead to frozen pipes. You can do so by checking all other faucets in your home to see if any other pipes show signs of freezing — if one pipe has frozen, likely, others have as well. One of the best ways to prevent ice blockages is to keep your thermostat set to the same temperature during the day and the night. While many homeowners tend to lower their thermostats during the evening to save money on their heating bill, the strategy may ultimately backfire — a burst pipe costs much more than a slightly higher bill.

Seal or caulk any cracks

Sealing or caulking any cracks helps in preventing frozen pipes. Spend some time assessing your property and seal or caulk any cracks that can let the winter air through. Be particular in places where pipes run. When there is leaking, and it’s left unattended, this can pose greater risks that will cost you more. 

Let cold water drip from the tap 

Leave the faucet open and let the cold water drip from the tap. The steadily moving water will keep the pipes slightly above the freezing point and prevent them from freezing. Keep in mind that when you’re running water through the faucet, the constant flow of water prevents the pipes from freezing. Although some homeowners don’t subscribe to this idea due to water wastage, this can greatly help slow down the process of freezing your pipes. 

Add insulation to basements, attics, and crawl spaces

Make sure you also add insulation to basements, attics, and crawl spaces. You can do this by installing a heater to keep areas with pipes warm, especially during the winter. For example, you can fit an unheated basement or garage with a permanent baseboard heater to keep temperatures above freezing. However, do not use portable heaters, which should never be left running unattended.

Cover crawl spaces

Another way of preventing frozen pipes is to cover crawl spaces. Your crawl space vents should always be closed and sealed off to prevent outside elements like dust or ice from entering. Keep in mind that if you open crawl spaces, this allows moisture to enter. During winter, your crawl space may be home to mold and mildew if you don’t cover it. Most importantly, covering crawl spaces prevents frozen water lines or snow from solidifying on your piping systems. While this will not eliminate that issue, it can definitely help to slow down the freezing process. 

Keep cabinet doors open 

The simplest way to prevent pipes from freezing is to open cabinet doors to allow the heated air to reach pipes inside the cabinet. This simple yet efficient technique often prevents kitchen pipes from freezing, especially during the coldest nights.

Why do frozen water pipes burst

Pipes burst due to pressure build-up. When the frozen pipe is blocked, this causes the water pressure to accumulates to higher levels than pipes can’t manage. The pressure builds up enough that the pipes burst or break. Contrary to popular belief, the ice does not necessarily lead to the bursting of pipes. It’s actually because of the high pressure that resulted from the ice. 

When to call a professional plumber 

When your pipes are about to burst or when there’s nothing you can do about it, it’s time to call the professionals. They have the necessary tools and expertise to deal with frozen pipes.

Midcity Plumbers only has certified expert plumbers, so you can feel reassured when choosing us to handle your residential plumbing issues, just like frozen pipes. Undoubtedly, plumbing issues are tough to handle by yourself, especially if you have no idea what you’re doing or do not have the right materials and tools for it.  We cover all your plumbing needs, from leaks, clogs to water heaters. Our reliable team will deliver every service with excellence, never leaving an issue unsolved.

So, if your pipes are heavily compromised by the winter or if you need winter preparation for your piping,  our team at MidCity Plumbers can help! Our plumbing experts offer a wide variety of plumbing services to all customers in Burnaby and the surrounding areas. Our reliable team will deliver every service with excellence, never leaving an issue unsolved. If you also need emergency services for your frozen pipes, give us a call on 📞 (778)-772-8676 today, and we are more than happy to help you out!

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