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How to Prevent Pipes From Freezing During the Winter Months

frozen-pipes

No one wants to hear that they have a frozen pipe in the middle of winter. However, implementing a few preventative measures does make a difference. Actions such as adding insulation, keeping the tap running, and professional inspections all help keep your pipes safe during the bitter cold.

Although a professional inspection may not be something you can do yourself, Home Comfort Experts can. Our seamless, accessible inspection process happens on-site with you as an active piece of the process.

Worried about the frost? Have your home pipes checked by Home Comfort Experts before temperatures drop.

How To Prevent Frozen Pipes 

With a few items from the hardware store and our expert advice, you can prevent frozen pipes yourself. A few routine measures might significantly improve your pipes' ability to curb freezing and bursting.

Follow your local weather forecast to know when it’s best to start putting these measures in place. Open cabinets and let the tap run once you learn the weather may drop below 20 degrees. Home Comfort Experts recommends starting with these methods:

1) Insulate Your Pipes to Keep Them Warm 

Exposed pipes have a higher chance of freezing than insulated pipes do. Insulated pipes help prevent freezing. By insulating them, your pipes can stay at a consistently warm temperature.

2) Keep Cabinet Doors Open to Allow Warm Air Flow 

If you have the heater on, make sure to open your cabinet doors. This allows warm air to flow near your pipes. Move any items you may want out of reach after opening your cabinet doors.

3) Let Faucets Drip to Relieve Pressure  

Keeping your faucets at a slow and steady drip helps move water through your pipes. This helps minimize the risk of water freezing. It also helps relieve pressure.

4) Seal Cracks and Gaps Around Pipes 

Cracks and gaps in your pipes can be detrimental, especially during the winter season. If a pipe has a crack or gap in it, it has a higher chance of freezing. Home Comfort Experts offer immediate burst or open pipe repair in your area. 

5) Maintain a Consistent Indoor Temperature 

Cold temperatures are hard enough to deal with, don’t make it worse by turning down the thermostat. A stark temperature difference could cause your pipes to freeze. Don’t set your thermostat to anything lower than 55 degrees.

5) Keep Your Garage Door Closed in Cold Weather  

Your garage door can be a big catalyst for frozen pipes. Poor sealing around your garage door can cause cold air to seep in, upping the chance of a frozen pipe.

frozen-pipes

Steps to Take When Your Pipes Freeze 

If you’re here, chances are your pipes have already frozen. Don’t panic. Follow these comprehensive steps to lessen frost’s impact. As a leading home service provider, Home Comfort Experts recommends that homeowners follow these steps for the best results:

1) Turn Off The Water Supply Immediately 

Locate the main water supply. It’s usually found at the front of the home or near its foundation. If you need help finding it, call us at Home Comfort Experts for quick troubleshooting. Shut off the source using its main valve and water should immediately stop flowing.

2) Open The Affected Faucets to Relieve Pressure 

Though they may be stiff, make sure you open the affected faucets. Allowing them to drip will relieve the pressure built by frost, ice, or cold temperatures.

3) Apply Heat to The Frozen Area With A Hair Dryer Or Space Heater  

Grab a hair dryer and place it near the pipes. Circulating warm air will slowly cause ice to melt away. If you don’t have a hair dryer, try using a space heater.*

You don’t need to place either directly onto the pipe to get great results. Near works just fine.

*Please note: Always monitor your heat settings closely when using a hair dryer or space heater. Do not leave hot tools or a space heater unattended while in use.

4) Use Towels Soaked In Hot Water to Wrap Around The Pipe  

Run a few large towels under hot water, then wrap them around the pipe(s). Ice should start to melt. Even if it’s lukewarm or room-temperature water, you should see an effect.

5) Use A Heat Lamp Or Portable Heater to Warm The Room Where The Pipe Is Located  

Similar to a space heater, you can use a heat lamp or portable heater to make ice melt faster. Simply turn either one on and allow warm air to circulate. You can do this directly near or simply in the same room as the pipes.

frozen-pipe-prevention

What You Should Do Once Your Pipes Have Thawed

Once your pipes have thawed, it’s best to look for cracks, leaks, or openings that could eventually lead to a flood. If you’re worried about some damages going undetected, enlist us for help. Here’s your guide to damage inspection post-freeze:

1) Check For Any Visible Cracks Or Leaks 

Look around the perimeter of your pipes for cracks or leaks. They may be hidden. A professional inspection will be able to spot internal cracks that the eye cannot. We utilize cameras to pinpoint the source of cracks and leaks.

2) Turn The Water Supply Back On Slowly 

Now slowly reinstate your water supply. Move the main water valve back to the “on” position. If you turn it back on too quickly, pipes could burst.

3) Check Water Flow  

Damage pipes yield slow, inconsistent water flow. Once your main water supply has returned, slowly turn on a faucet and see if the water flow is consistent. Choppy or erratic water flow means there’s a larger issue at hand.

4) Dry Surrounding Areas 

Dry areas around the pipes where water may have leaked. This will most likely be cabinet floors or floor panels. Use a fan, towels, or professional help to ensure moisture is removed properly.

5) Monitor For Further Issues 

Keep in mind that pipe issues from frozen water may not manifest until later on. Consistently monitor water flow to verify that your pipes are in working order.

6) Consider Professional Help 

Consider enlisting a local pipe restoration company to inspect your pipes. This can save you time, money, and effort instead of trying to restore them yourself. We’re available in Indiana and Michigan for locally-operated service.

7) Take Preventive Measures 

Be proactive about your pipes by taking preventative steps to minimize the risk of frozen pipes. Simply follow what has been outlined above. You can also implement routine inspections to lessen the chance of pipe damage.

Should I Contact Professionals? 

While you may have a good set of eyes, the expertise needed to properly protect your pipes from cold weather cannot be found at home. That’s why Home Comfort Experts provides professional help before cold weather makes an appearance. We care about your home’s pipes just as much as you do, and you can feel that in every repair, replacement, or restoration service we provide. 

Contact Home Comfort Experts For Burst Pipe Repair

Pipe just burst? Don’t worry. Homeowners in Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan can rely on Home Comfort Experts to fix it, no matter how severe the damage is. Call today at (574) 221-8595 to restore your home comfort—even during the winter season.

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