Anyone who has spent a winter in Iowa has learned one thing – it gets COLD. Sub-zero temperatures that extend days or weeks at a time can wreak havoc on the pipes leading to and from your home or business. When the cold sets in and temperatures drop below freezing, you need to be aware of the risks of bursting pipes and how to prevent this disaster.
When pipes freeze and burst, not only is it an inconvenience, it can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars in repairs. Most importantly, however, is that leaks from a burst pipe can cause serious, potentially dangerous damage if your wiring gets wet. When this happens, you run the risk of causing short circuits that could lead to a fire, so it is important to remain aware and diligent about the state of your pipes.
Follow these tips below to help avoid the expense and inconvenience that frozen pipes can cause if they burst.
Keep Water Faucets Running
When frigid temperatures threaten to freeze your pipes, allow your water faucets to drip steadily into the pipes themselves. This constant water movement can prevent frozen pipes from occurring, thus saving you, your family, or your business the headaches and stress, as well as time and a lot of money.
Install Heat Tape to Pipes
If you live in an environment with extreme cold temperatures, it is important to protect against frozen pipes while winterizing your home or business. A great way to do this is to install heat tape to your pipes and rest assured knowing that your pipes can be warmed throughout the winter months.
Keep the Thermostat Consistent
While it is tempting to lower the thermostat in your home or business at night, it is not advised to fluctuate temperatures during a cold snap. Keeping a consistent temperature inside will not only keep you more comfortable, but it will also keep your pipes from freezing. Although this may cause a slightly elevated energy bill, it is much, much cheaper than the expense of repairing or replacing a frozen pipe that bursts.
Direct Heat to Cold Areas
It is increasingly common for pipes to freeze when they are located near the exterior walls or windows of your home or business. Given this information, it is important to keep these areas warm to prevent pipe damage through freezing and bursting when the weather drops below freezing.
Keep Interior Doors Open
A quick, easy way to keep freezing pipes at bay is to simply keep interior doors and cabinets open to allow heat to flow through the building more freely. By opening interior doors and the kitchen and bathroom cabinets, the heat you already have in your home or business will be able to help prevent pipes from getting too cold and freezing, which could also lead to bursting.
Save yourself the inconvenience and expense of bursting pipes by preventing them from freezing in the first place. If you need more information or have any questions about frozen pipes and the damage it can cause to your home or business, please feel free to reach out. The experienced professionals of Benjamin Franklin Plumbing are here to help!
