Pipes that freeze and burst are one of the most common causes of property damage during freezing weather. The damage caused can run into thousands of dollars due to the costly water damage in addition to the repair costs. The pipes most at risk for freezing are the ones in unheated interior places such as in attics, basement or garages. Even pipes running through exterior walls or cupboards can freeze, though. The temperature alert threshold is commonly regarded as 20° F, especially if there are uninsulated pipes running through an uninsulated space.

There are several steps that PipeWorx professionals recommend, which can be done to keep pipes from freezing and bursting when the temperature drops below the 20° F threshold. One low-cost solution is pipe insulation. Ask your PipeWorx professional which pipes he would advise insulating to avoid costly future damage.

Other tips PipeWorx professionals recommend include letting the cold water drip from a faucet that is served by exposed pipes. Keeping that trickle of water running through the pipe will help prevent pipes from freezing.

Another PipeWorx professional suggestion is to keep the garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in there. Additionally, open the kitchen and bathroom cupboard doors when the temperature is unusually frigid. This will allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes, which is especially crucial if the pipes are located on an exterior wall.

If leaving home for an extended period during cold weather, PipeWorx professionals recommend leaving the heat on no lower than 55° F to help prevent freezing pipes.

A longer-term overall solution would be to add insulation to basements, attics, and crawl spaces to maintain higher temperatures. Seal cracks at openings around windows and doors to prevent freezing drafts and also at sill plates at the foundation of the house.

Is no water is coming out of the faucet during the winter, this might be a sign that your pipe is frozen. Don’t leave the water on, hoping for it to start again as this can cause a flood if the pipe has already burst. Call PipeWorx as soon as possible for service to prevent any further damage.

Call PipeWorx at 845.402.8547