This winter, as the temperatures drop lower and lower, you’ll want to make sure your pipes are protected. Each year, our team receives plenty of calls about frozen pipes, which can cause a lot of damage to your plumbing system and home. When your pipes freeze, they contract and the water within them freezes. Unlike many other liquids, when water freezes, it expands. This can put a substantial amount of pressure on your pipes and cause them to crack. Once those frozen pipes begin to thaw out, they expand, and those small cracks that formed when they were frozen can worsen and your pipes can burst.

To help you avoid dealing with extremely costly repairs and pipe replacements, our team has outlined some helpful tips for preventing your pipes from freezing. Continue reading to learn more.

Insulate Your Pipes

The very best way to prevent pipes from freezing is to insulate them. Pipe insulation is made of foam rubber, polyethylene, or fiberglass materials and is easy to add to exposed pipes. In the event that cold weather is on its way and you don’t have enough time to have your pipes professionally insulated, wadded-up newspaper and duct tape can be used as a temporary solution.

Let Your Faucets Drip

Once you figure out which of your faucets are served by exposed pipes, it is a good idea to leave those faucets on. Even just a small, constant dribble of water is enough to keep your pipes from freezing when the weather gets very severe.

Leave Your Cabinets Open

The pipes within your bathroom and kitchen cabinets need access to warm air in order to prevent them from freezing. It is a good idea to leave those cabinets open to allow warm air to circulate around your plumbing.

Add Extra Insulation to Your Home

If frozen pipes are a problem you seem to deal with every winter, we recommend adding some additional insulation. This can keep your home warmer by keeping temperature-regulated air inside and preventing drafts.

We recommend adding insulation to the following areas of your home:

  • Attic
  • Basement
  • Crawlspaces

Keep the Garage Closed

In many homes, the water supply lines go through the garage. Because your garage is already much cooler than the rest of your home due to smooth concrete and a lack of sufficient insulation, it is a good idea to keep your garage door closed during winter. An open garage door lets cold air in and can quickly result in a frozen water line.

Leave the Heat On

Keeping the inside of your home warm is crucial, especially if you are leaving for an extended period of time. If you leave your home and turn the heat off, the temperature inside can quickly drop and freeze your pipes. It is a good idea to set your thermostat to at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit or higher when you are away.

What Should I Do If My Pipes Freeze?

If your pipes freeze, you need to contact a plumber straight away. Backed by extensive service experience, Life Line Plumbing is your go-to plumber in Katy. Our team is passionate about delivering the service you need when you need it most, which is why we are on call and ready to serve you 24/7!

Contact Life Line Plumbing at 281-809-0049. We look forward to serving you!