Preventing Frozen Pipes as the Weather Cools
People living in Minnesota are no strangers to cold weather. Temperatures considered cold in the extreme come around annually in this part of the country. One of the dangers this time of year brings to mind is freezing pipes. There is also a worst-case scenario in the form of burst pipes, which often affects older houses or those with exposed pipes.
Most homes have areas of weakness that can be addressed with simple preparation steps for the coming cold weather. Three major ways to prevent a pipe burst are discussed in the following paragraphs.
The First Line of Defense: Pipe Insulation
There are many types of insulation for a home, and pipe insulation is one of them. It is simple to install and makes insulating pipes easy. The insulation resembles a pool noodle sliced like a hotdog bun, so it simply slips over the pipe to create a barrier against the elements.
There is no need to insulate pipes everywhere in the house, but a few key places where they are exposed to more extreme temperatures, such as:
- The attic
- The basement
- Cabinets
- Crawl space
- Garage.
These are all places where pipes are more likely to freeze, and installation is very easy.
Open Cabinet Doors and Keep the Heat Running
Even if homeowners are gone for a while, some things can be done to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. While it is a good idea to turn off heating when people are not in the house, this can harm the plumbing structure. Keeping the indoor temperature consistent even when no one is home helps keep the water running as it should. Additionally, opening cabinets, especially under sinks, can help prevent supply and drain lines from freezing in the depths of the winter chill. This is due to the following factors:- Circulation: If cabinet doors are open, warm air can circulate better around the pipes, keeping them above freezing. Homeowners can also use fans aimed at the cabinets or portable heaters in less insulated spaces like garages.
- Expansion and Contraction: Most materials expand as they heat up and contract or shrink as they get colder. This is true for pipes, especially those made from metals like copper and iron. Maintaining a consistent temperature helps prevent this from happening repeatedly, making the material more likely to be brittle and inflexible.
- Moving Water Doesn’t Freeze: Water is less likely to freeze when moving. This is part of the reason for turning on a drip from the faucet when temperatures drop below freezing.
Cover Outdoor Faucets and Disconnect Hoses
Outdoor access to the water supply is important, but it can become a real chink in the armor of a home’s insulation. That is why it is best to disconnect hoses and cover outside faucets or hose bibs. Hose bib covers are inexpensive and can save homeowners from a huge expenditure to repair frozen and burst pipes.About Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing has provided personalized plumbing solutions to Northfield, MN, and the surrounding areas for over three decades. Their trusted technicians respect time and the laws governing the service. They are also known for straightforward pricing and respect their clients’ privacy. Call today for plumbing maintenance this winter season in Northfield, MN.
