Save Yourself a Bundle This Winter: Tips for Avoiding Frozen Pipes

If you live in a climate that regularly experiences harsh, cold winters, you probably already know that the pipes that transport water to your bathtub, shower and faucets can be damaged by freezing water. However, many people don’t know how to avoid frozen pipes, simply hoping that they won’t reach winter while preparing for the worst. Luckily, there are some things you can do to help avoid frozen pipes this winter.

Install Heating Cables

Pipes in your crawlspace and under your home are susceptible to freezing when the winter weather really gets bad. To prevent the pipes from getting so cold that they freeze and pressure builds up, electric heating cables can be put around the pipes, making sure the temperature of the pipe doesn’t drop to or below freezing. Electric heating cable installation should be handled by a professional, as installing the heating cables improperly could start a fire.

Turn Off the Water

If you’re going out of town for any period of time over the winter, turning off the water is something you absolutely must do. Without the flow of water, the likelihood of damage to your home is greatly reduced. If you leave the water on, a broken pipe could result in severe flood damage inside your home since nobody will be there to take care of it. Before you leave, turn the main water valve off, even if you’re only going to be gone for a few days.

Consider Having Certain Pipes Re-Routed

While it might seem like a costly endeavor to have some of the pipes in your home re-routed, doing so can actually save you a great deal of money over the long run since your pipes won’t be nearly as susceptible to damage. Commonly, pipes that are placed in areas without central heat like in an attached garage, basement or attic, are the ones that are most likely to burst. Re-routing these pipes to a warmer place, especially if there isn’t a labyrinthian grid of them in the area isn’t a particularly costly job. For more information visit All About the Pipes Plumbing, Inc.