How to Help Prevent Frozen Pipes

11/11/2021 (Permalink)

Living in Western New York, it’s common knowledge that during the winter, freezing temperatures will happen. Depending on the duration and severity of a freeze event, frozen and broken pipes can be a common problem. But there are a few precautions that can help keep your pipes from freezing.

Leave faucets dripping-

Having a trickle of cold water flowing through your pipes will keep water moving. Moving water is more resistant to freezing.

Open Cabinet Doors-

When temperatures are freezing, opening the cabinet doors on sinks such as kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, or laundry wash tubs will help reduce risk of freezing. This measure is especially important if the sinks are located along an exterior wall. Sometimes there could be a cool breeze finding its way in through the pipes, or a crack in the foundation. Opening the cabinet doors introduces heated air into the cabinet space, and warms the exposed plumbing.

Wrap Your Pipes-

Pipes that are at risk for freezing should be wrapped in heat tape, or pipe insulation. This will help add extra freeze resistance to your pipes.

Keep heat to 55F or higher-

If you plan on leaving your home for a day trip, vacation, or vacating your house for any reason, you should not leave your temperature any lower than 55 degrees F. This temperature provides a base level of warmth to prevent freezing in the home.

If your pipes freeze and break and it causes a water damage, SERVPRO of East Monroe County is here for you 24/7. Call us anytime at (585) 641-0040.