Frozen water pipes are not only a great inconvenience but also are expensive to repair when they burst. The situation can go from bad to a disaster if it happens when you are out of the house and the water damage will quickly multiply. In order to avoid the hassle and expense of water line repairs due to burst or frozen water pipes this winter, consider applying some of these simple techniques in your home.
Letting the water drip slowly from a faucet one method that that will help prevent your water pipes from freezing. Moving water does not freeze as quickly as still water and even a trickle of water from an inside faucet can help to prevent your water pipes from freezing and bursting.
The most effective way to prevent pipes from freezing is by limiting the amount of piping that is exposed to the cold outside air. Vulnerable pipes can and should be fitted with insulation sleeves, which will provide them with some protection.
There is also heating tape that can be wrapped around pipes, some with a built in thermostat that turns on automatically and others that must be turned on manually. To prevent freezing when you are going away for a few days and probably don’t have the heating on full, it is a good idea to drain your system and turn of the water at the mains until you return.
Remember one of the first signs that you have a frozen pipe is when you turn the taps on and nothing comes out. When this occurs and especially when you don’t know the exact location of the frozen section it is best to call a plumber out immediately before the pipes have time to burst.
