How to Keep Your Pipes from Freezing and Bursting
Homeowners face numerous issues when the temperatures drop and winter really sets in throughout New York. For example, HVAC systems can fail, pests can come inside to seek shelter, and plumbing pipes can freeze and burst. However, many of these issues are preventable with a little knowledge and supplies from trusted local sources.
From the experts at Central Plumbing Specialties, here is some information about how to keep pipes from freezing and bursting during the cold winter months.
Piping Most Vulnerable to Freezing
Garages, attics, and basements are problematic places in the home during the winter because pipes here have a high risk of freezing. This is because these interior spaces are often left unheated even on the coldest of days. However, pipes in other places in your home can freeze too, such as the piping that runs through exterior walls and cabinets.
Turn Up the Heat
One way to avoid frozen pipes is to keep your house warm so that the pipes stay warm too. Avoid turning the thermostat down on freezing nights to maintain a steady temperature at all times. If you plan to take a vacation, keep the house temperature at least 55 degrees while you’re gone.
Blow Heat into Cold Rooms
If certain rooms of your home tend to be warmer than others, try using fans to blow heat into the colder rooms to protect your piping.
Open Cabinet and Vanity Doors
Another tip for how to keep pipes from freezing is to open up the doors to cabinets and vanities in your home to help warmer air reach your piping. If you don’t want to do this all throughout your house, at least open up doors that back up to exterior walls.
Allow Air Flow to Exposed Pipes
In a similar way, keep closet doors and doors to rooms open on cold days to allow air to reach all areas of the room and prevent frozen pipes.
Disconnect Hoses
Frozen pipes can also be prevented by disconnecting hoses from outdoor faucets. First, ensure that the pipes and faucet are drained so that freezing water does not damage it for later use.
Keep the Garage Closed
Especially if you have water supply lines in your garage, make sure to always keep garage doors closed to retain as much warmth as possible.
Allow Water to Drip on Cold Days
Faucets that are served by exposed pipes benefit from having a small but steady water flow going through them to prevent freezing. On especially cold days or at least overnight, turn the cold water tap on slightly so that it drips slowly and constantly.
Apply Heating Elements to Main Water Piping
It is also a smart idea to apply heating elements to main water pipes to ensure that no freezing occurs. Central Plumbing Specialties has all the piping and plumbing supplies you need to protect your pipes and make sure they continue working well throughout the winter.
Stop by our New York locations in Manhattan, the Bronx, Rockland/Spring Valley, or Yonkers to pick up the supplies you need and get helpful advice from our expert staff.