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In your plumbing, ice can form when water freezes, and that’s a potential disaster. Water can flood your house if a frozen pipe cracks.
If you want to avoid the headache of burst pipes this winter, it’s imperative to take some proactive steps to prepare your plumbing.
By insulating your pipes, fixing leaks and ensuring your gutters are in proper condition, you can minimize the risk of water damage in your home.
Here are 11 tips to help you get your pipes ready for winter:
1) Insulate Your Pipes.
Wrap exposed pipes in pipe insulation
Pipes are most likely to freeze when they are exposed to cold air, so it’s important to insulate any exposed pipes in your home. You can purchase pre-slit foam pipe insulation at most hardware stores, which makes it easy to wrap around pipes. Just be sure to measure the circumference of the pipe before you buy the insulation, and choose a size that will fit snugly.
Use a space heater in unheated areas
If you have any unheated areas in your home, such as an unfinished basement or attic, be sure to use a space heater in these areas during the winter months. This will help keep the air warm and prevent any exposed pipes from freezing.
Install weather-stripping around doors and windows
Another way to prevent cold air from coming into contact with your pipes is to install weather-stripping around doors and windows. This is a relatively inexpensive and easy project that can make a big difference in keeping your home warm during the winter months.
2) Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses.
Remove outdoor hoses from spigots
To prevent your outdoor houses from freezing, disconnect them from the spigots and drain them of any remaining water. If possible, store them indoors in a garage or shed.
Drain hoses and store them indoors
Once you have disconnected your hoses, drain them of any remaining water by holding them upside down over a bucket or draining them into a sink. Once they are empty, store them indoors in a garage or shed to prevent them from freezing.
3) Fix leaks and dripping faucets.
Check all indoor and outdoor faucets for leaks
A leaky faucet can waste a lot of water, so it’s important to fix it as soon as possible. To check for leaks, first make sure that all the faucets in your home are turned off. Then, check the meter on your water bill. If it’s higher than usual, you may have a leak.
Next, take a look at all of your faucets, both indoors and outdoors. Check for any drips or leaks. If you find any, tighten the screws or replace the washers. For more serious leaks, you may need to call a plumber.
Repair or replace any damaged fixtures
If any of your fixtures are damaged, it’s important to either repair or replace them as soon as possible. Damaged fixtures can cause leaks, which can waste water and lead to higher bills. They can also be a safety hazard if they break suddenly or start spraying water uncontrollably.
To repair a fixture, you may need to replace the washers or O-rings. For more serious damage, you may need to replace the entire fixture. If you’re not sure how to do this, hire a professional plumber to do the job for you.
4) Keep Your Home Warm.
Set your thermostat to at least 68 degrees.
It’s important to keep your home warm during winter, both for your comfort and to protect your pipes from freezing. Follow these tips to stay cozy:
Set your thermostat to at least 68 degrees. This will help prevent your pipes from freezing.
Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air
Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. This will help keep your skin from drying out and cracking, which can lead to leaks in your pipes.
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5) Know Where Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve Is.
Locate your home’s main water shut-off valve
The main water shut-off valve is usually located where the water line enters the house. It may be in the basement, crawl space, or utility room. If you can’t find it, check your local building codes for its location.
Learn how to turn it off in case of an emergency
In an emergency, you may need to turn off your home’s water supply to prevent further damage. To do this, simply rotate the handle on the main water shut-off valve clockwise until it stops. Then, open all of your faucets to drain any remaining water from the pipes.
6) Install a Water Pressure Regulator.
Protect your pipes from high water pressure
Water pressure that’s too high can put a strain on your plumbing system, and even cause your pipes to burst. To protect your pipes from high water pressure, have a professional install a water pressure regulator on your main water line.
Install a water pressure regulator on your main water line
A water pressure regulator is a simple device that attaches to your main water line and regulates the flow of water into your home. This will help keep your pipes from bursting due to high water pressure, and will also save you money on your monthly water bill.
7) Inspect Your Gutters and Downspouts.
Keep gutters and downspouts clean and free of debris
Gutters and downspouts play an important role in protecting your home from water damage. During the winter, they can become clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris. This can cause water to back up and overflow, which can lead to leaks and flooding. To prevent this, it’s important to keep your gutters and downspouts clean and free of debris.
Repair or replace any damaged gutters or downspouts
In addition to keeping them clear of debris, you should also inspect your gutters and downspouts for any signs of damage. If you notice any cracks, holes, or other damage, be sure to repair or replace the affected parts as soon as possible. This will help ensure that they continue to function properly and protect your home from water damage.
8) Diversity Water Away from Your Foundation.
Add extensions to your downspouts
Adding extensions to your downspouts is a simple and effective way to divert water away from your foundation. By extending your downspouts by two or three feet, you can ensure that water will be directed away from your home’s foundation, protecting it from potential damage.
Grade the ground around your foundation so it slopes away from the house
Another way to divert water away from your foundation is to grade the ground around your home so that it slopes away from the house. This will help ensure that any runoff water will flow away from your foundation, rather than towards it. You can do this yourself with a shovel, or you can hire a professional landscaper to do it for you.
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9) Know the Warning Signs of a Frozen Pipe.
Watch for signs of a frozen pipe, such as reduced water pressure
Water pressure may drop suddenly or gradually when a pipe freezes. This is due to the ice blockage restricting the flow of water through the pipe.
Listen for a faint banging noise coming from the pipes
If you hear a banging noise coming from your pipes, this could be an indication that they are frozen and expanding. The noise is caused by the ice inside the pipes as they try to expand and contract with changes in temperature.
10) Thaw a Frozen Pipe.
Use a hair dryer or space heater to thaw a frozen pipe Never use a blow torch to thaw a frozen pipe
If you suspect that one of your pipes has frozen, it’s important to take action immediately. A frozen pipe can burst and cause serious damage to your home.
There are two safe and effective ways to thaw a frozen pipe: using a hair dryer or using a space heater. Never use a blow torch, as this can be extremely dangerous.
To thaw a pipe with a hair dryer, start by turning off the water at the main shut-off valve. Then, remove any insulation from the affected pipe and direct the hair dryer towards the freezing point, moving it back and forth until the ice melts. Once the water starts flowing again, turn on the faucet and check for leaks.
If you don’t have a hair dryer, you can use a space heater in much the same way. Start by turning off the water at the main shut-off valve and removing any insulation from the affected pipe. Then, place the space heater near the freezing point and turn it on, moving it back and forth until the ice melts. Once the water starts flowing again, turn on the faucet and check for leaks.
11) Take Precautions with Space Heaters.
Take Precautions with Space Heaters
- Keep space heaters at least three feet away from flammable objects.
- Never leave a space heater unattended.
- Turn off space heaters when you leave the room or go to bed.
Conclusion
If you follow these 13 tips, you’ll be well on your way to preparing your pipes for winter.
By insulating your pipes, disconnecting and draining outdoor hoses, fixing leaks and dripping faucets, and keeping your home warm, you can help prevent costly damage from frozen or burst pipes.
And finally, be sure to know the warning signs of a frozen pipe so you can thaw it before it bursts.
FAQ’S
How do you keep pipes from freezing in a vacant house?
To keep pipes from freezing in a vacant house, you’ll need to take some extra precautions.
First, make sure that the house is well-insulated. This will help to keep the inside temperature from dropping too low.
Next, keep the doors and windows closed as much as possible to keep the cold air out. You may also want to consider leaving the heat on at a low setting, or using a space heater in the rooms where the pipes are located.
Finally, be sure to check the house regularly to make sure that everything is staying warm enough to prevent the pipes from freezing.
How do I keep my pipes from freezing without heat?
There are a few things you can do to keep your pipes from freezing without heat.
One is to wrap them in insulation. This will help to keep the heat in and the cold out.
Another is to pour a little hot water down the drain each day. This will help to keep the water moving and prevent it from freezing.
Finally, you can open the cabinet doors under your sink to let the warm air from your home circulate around the pipes.
What happens if you don’t heat your house?
If you don’t heat your house, you may end up with a cold house. The temperature inside your house will drop and you may start to feel cold. You may also see condensation on your windows and walls.
If you don’t heat your house, you may also find that your pipes freeze and burst.So it’s important to keep your house warm, especially during the winter months.
Can pipes freeze if water is running?
Yes, pipes can freeze if water is running. This is because water expands when it freezes, and this can cause the pipes to burst.
Burst pipes can lead to serious damage to your home and property, so it’s important to be aware of the risks.
If you live in an area where the temperature can drop below freezing, you should take steps to protect your pipes, such as insulating them or keeping them warm.
