Winter’s frosty fingers are turning your lawn into a sparkling wonderland, but are they also turning your pipes into icy popsicles? When the temperature plummets, the water inside your pipes can freeze and expand, putting a lot of pressure on them and causing bursts. The worst part? Hidden bursts can cause leaks you don’t see and major damage.
However, protecting your home and enjoying a worry-free winter is easy with a few simple steps:
- Insulate Exposed Pipes: Wrap exposed pipes in pipe insulation you can buy at a hardware store. This helps keep the pipes warm and prevents freezing, especially in attics, crawlspaces, and unheated garages.
- Seal Air Leaks: Drafty areas around pipes are prime targets for freezing. Seal any gaps around pipes where they enter your home or foundation with caulk or weather stripping.
- Let the Faucet Drip (on very cold nights): On particularly cold nights, a slow drip from a faucet connected to exposed pipes can help keep the water inside moving and prevent freezing within the pipe. Remember to turn off the dripping faucet once the temperature rises again.
- Maintain a Consistent Temperature: Keeping your thermostat set to a consistent temperature, even when you’re away, helps prevent pipes from freezing. Consider a programmable thermostat to maintain a minimum temperature during unoccupied periods.
- Know Where Your Shutoff Valve Is: In case of a burst pipe, locate your main water shutoff valve beforehand. This will allow you to quickly shut off the water supply and minimize damage.
Despite your best efforts, a pipe might still burst. Don’t panic! Here’s what to do:
- Stop the Water: A burst pipe can cause major damage quickly. Find your main water shutoff valve and turn it completely off. This cuts off the water supply and prevents further damage.
- Minimize Damage (if safe): If it’s safe to do so, move furniture and belongings away from the leak to minimize water damage.
Water damage at home? NuWay’s here to help 24/7! We remove water fast, eliminate moisture, and ensure a complete dry-out to prevent future issues. Don’t let water damage worsen – call NuWay today for your free quote!