Don’t Let It Go: Don’t Ignore Signs of Frozen Pipes
When temperatures drop, and a white Christmas is on the horizon, it is easy to get caught up in the beauty of the season. Unfortunately, if a homeowner forgets about their water pipes, it can lead to a disastrous crushing of the holiday spirit. Uninsulated or poorly protected pipes can get too cold, causing the water inside to freeze. This can cause serious damage to the pipes, resulting in leaks, water damage, and a lot of cost for repairs.
Homeowners should watch for signs of pipe freezing to prevent serious, costly damage to their homes.
Low Water Pressure
- Open Cabinets: if it is particularly cold outside, that can sometimes seep into the walls and cause a pocket of cold air in the cabinets. Opening the doors below the sink will allow warmer air to circulate, preventing frozen pipes.
- Use a Space Heater: Aim a space heater at the pipes to help unfreeze/keep warm.
- Faucet Drips: Leave the faucet valve slightly open. Moving water does not freeze.
- Insulate the Pipes: It is almost a certainty that exposed pipes will ice over in temperatures below freezing if they do not have proper protection.
Frosty Pipes
If there are pipes that are easily accessible or are exposed to the elements, there is a better chance of them freezing than them making it through the winter without freezing. Insulating can be a tedious process, but the results are worth it. There are fairly inexpensive products that one can use in practically any residential situation to prevent frozen pipes: PE foam insulation and pipe wrap.
PE Foam:
- Think of a pool noodle split on one side
- Easy for covering long sections of straight pipe
- DIY- friendly
Pipe Wrap/Pipe Tape
- Adhesive strips work to insulate
- Good for tight areas, turns, and joints
- Adaptable for DIY
Foul Odors
While homeowners are normally concerned with water supply lines becoming frozen in certain areas, the temperature can get low enough to freeze even the sewage removal lines. This will cause foul odors to fill the home, and even worse, sewer backups can happen. Again, this is a reason to insulate even the sewer pipes.
As previously mentioned, running water does not freeze, so making sure that water is being run through the pipes is another tip for keeping the freeze out. Between insulation and maintaining regular daily water use should be enough to prevent the worst-case scenario of a burst pipe.
About Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service
Bud’s has served Evansville, IN for over 100 years. Expert repairs and great customer service are what a person should expect from a company that has been around since 1920, and Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service delivers. Call them today for burst pipe repair.
