Avoid Frozen Pipes This Winter

Frozen pipes can be quite disastrous to your home. There are a few easy steps to take to avoid causing the pipes to freeze and burst. If you are gone for an extended period of time it is especially necessary to take care of your pipes before you leave. Taking care of your home goes over and beyond just staying warm and dry. You also need to take of the pipes that run through the home against the below zero temperatures during winter.

Tips

• Fill any cracks that have cold air pockets close to the pipes. This will help to reduce the amount of cold air around that area, eliminating some of the potential to completely freeze the pipe. Check alongside the pipes to see if you can feel a draft of cold air.
• Turn off the water supply. If there is no water then there will be no possible way for the pipes to freeze. First turn off the water supply notch, then run the water for through a faucet to completely get rid of all water inside.
• Insulate the pipes that carry water if there is no a sufficient amount heat in the area. Install fiberglass or foam board insulation throughout the room where the pipes are located.
• Be knowledgeable of where the main water shut off is. In case of an emergency where a problem does occur know where the main shutoff valve is to prevent even more damage.

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes

• Soak towels in extremely hot water then proceed to wrap them around the cold sections of the pipes.
• Use a hair dryer, space heater or another heat source to warm the pipes.
• Turn up the heat in the house and wait for the indoor temperature to increase and pipes to thaw.