How to prevent frozen pipes to avoid thousands of dollars in damage

3/7/2019 (Permalink)

With cold weather, it’s important to prevent pipes from freezing, because broken pipes can cause thousands of dollars in water damage.

When the outside temperature drops to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit, pipes may freeze.

The water freezing itself is not what causes the pipes to burst. It’s actually the pressure that builds up inside the pipes that causes the burst. So it would, in turn, bust, and then, once the water started to thaw, it would then flood your home.

to prevent frozen pipes, it’s important to be familiar with the plumbing in your home.

Knowing the way your plumbing runs, and if you have the type of plumbing that’s exposed to the elements, it is important to insulate your pipes.

Here are some of the following ways to prevent pipes from freezing:

— Let warm water drip overnight, especially from a faucet near an outside wall.

— Keep your thermostat set at a consistent temperature during the day and night.

— Keep cabinet doors open to let heat reach the pipes under sinks and appliances near outside walls.

— If you plan to travel, set your thermostat no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Shutting off and draining the water system is also advisable.