Winter weather is here, which means that the temperatures inside and outside of your home are dropping. Unfortunately, this can also mean dealing with winter weather headaches like frozen pipes. Thankfully, with a little bit of preparation, it’s easy to prevent frozen pipes during the coldest time of the year.
Close Outdoor Hose Bibbs
Now that you are done watering plants outside for the season, you can close up your outdoor hose bibb for the season. Disconnect the house and open the faucet completely to allow the line to drain. If it gets very cold in your area, it’s also a good idea to purchase a faucet cover. This will insulate the faucet a bit more and decrease the chances that you have a burst pipe.
Insulate the Pipes
Pipe insulation is a very affordable way to prevent frozen pipes in any home. There are numerous types of insulation, including convenient adhesive wraps that you can install and leave up for years without issue. When insulating, pay extra attention to the pipes underneath sinks and in the basement and garage that are subject to extreme cold. A heat cable can be used to protect particularly vulnerable pipes.
Look for Gaps and Leaks
Are there cracks or gaps around the exterior of your home? Gaps are common around pipes, and cracks can naturally form around your foundation over time. Sealing up these leaks will make your home more energy efficient, and it will also decrease the chances that those pipes will freeze. If you aren’t sure how to prevent frozen pipes by sealing up gaps, we can help you determine the best spots to address.
Let It Drip
To prevent frozen pipes anywhere in the home, you can leave the faucet slightly open so that a drip of water comes out every few seconds. This will keep water moving through the pipes, which prevents it from settling and freezing in the pipe. This also allows water to expand if it does freeze, which lowers the risk of a burst pipe.
Prevent Frozen Pipes With Master Plumbing
Give Master Plumbing a call at (301) 650-9100, or contact us online to get more information on how our expert plumbers can help you with just about anything plumbing-related! We have received Angie’s List Super Service Award recognition for plumbing and drain cleaning every year since 2007, in addition to the Best Plumber award from Best of Bethesda. We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and our service is unparalleled. Give us a call today—you won’t regret it! To see examples of our projects, follow us on Facebook and Twitter!