Tips To Prevent Frozen Pipes
Although Texas winters are usually on the milder side, a frozen plumbing system is still an issue to be mindful of. When cold temperatures are on the horizon, what do you need to do to make sure that your pipes are not affected? And what should you do if they freeze?
Jim’s Plumbing has the solutions and services you need to protect your home for the next time winter rolls around. With our prevention and preparation tips, you’ll be able to skip the hassle and stress of frozen piping!
Understanding Why Pipes Freeze
When cold temperatures occur, your plumbing lines are at risk of freezing. You might be wondering, “What temperature do pipes freeze at?”
Pipes exposed to temperatures at 32 degrees or lower for a prolonged time are at risk. When water freezes, it expands in volume, and this is a big problem when contained in small spaces, like in your plumbing. This water expansion builds pressure in the pipe, and it can cause the material to burst.
One frozen plumbing component can cause widespread damage to your home, especially if it goes undetected. The impacted material can create water leaks underground or within your home. Water damage, flooding, foundation damage and wall cracks can all be symptoms of a burst pipe.
How To Prevent Frozen Pipes
It’s important to protect your piping like the rest of your home. Sudden temperature changes, low thermostat settings and poor insulation are the most common causes of freezing pipes. To prevent trouble with freezing, you can try some of the tips below.
Insulate Your Pipes
Exposed pipes are most at risk of freezing. In your household’s attic, the proper insulation goes a long way, even in climates that rarely see freezing temperatures.
Use Heat Cables Or Tape
Heat tape is a heated cable within the tape, which helps keep your plumbing thawed and free of frost. These tools are wrapped around the piping, providing warmth to the material.
Set Your Thermostat
Keeping your thermostat settings the same from day to night can keep frost off the material, especially if it’s set around 70 degrees. This setting will warm the piping in your home, preventing it from bursting.
Run Your Faucet Overnight
If you’re dealing with cold outdoor conditions, let a trickle of warm water run overnight to help keep the material at a proper temperature. Make sure to monitor the drip for slowing, as this could indicate a potential freeze in your system.
Shut Off The Water If You’re Away
While you enjoy your vacation, give your pipes a rest by shutting off the water before you leave to prevent freezing. Implementing several of these recommendations at once will significantly prevent these components from freezing.
What To Do If Pipes Freeze
Unfortunately, frozen piping can turn into a reality for some. In the event that you find yourself experiencing this issue, there are measures that can be undertaken to effectively address and resolve it.
Call Your Trusted Local Plumbers For Help
When your faucet doesn’t produce water after being turned on, it’s time to call a plumber and leave the tap on. Our experts will evaluate your system and provide a solution when frost appears.
Use Main Shut-Off Valve
In the event that you are aware of a burst, use the main water shut-off valve to stop the water supply. Leave a water faucet in the open position.
Thaw Your Pipes
You can use a hair dryer to thaw frosty material. Keep the faucet open, and apply heat near the top of it. Work your way toward the coldest part of the piping. Never use fire to thaw this material.
Superior Dallas Plumbing Services
Trying a few of these simple tips can help prevent your pipe from freezing the next time temperatures plummet! In case you find yourself facing issues with these components, Jim’s Plumbing provides professional pipe repair and replacement services.
