6 Important Tips for Preventing Frozen Pipes this Winter Season

Living here in the North East part of the country means that we get really cold and icy during the long Winter season. Frozen pipes are a common problem here in our area and many of our neighbors experience it every year. When these pipes freeze and burst from the water pressure, they can cause serious and expensive damage to your home’s plumbing.

However, there are a few things you can do to prevent your pipes from freezing this winter. Here are some important tips.

1. Make sure that all of your outdoor pipes and pipes that lead into your home are insulated. If it has been a long time since they were last insulated, it is probably time to replace the insulation. If you have never done this before, call a professional to inspect, evaluate and replace it.

2. Repair all cracks and holes in your exterior walls. These cracks and holes allow the cold air to come into your home, which increases your heating bill. In addition, this cold air can circulate between your home’s walls and cause pipes to freeze and burst.

3. During days when the outside temperatures are extremely cold, open up the cabinets underneath your bathroom and kitchen sinks. Let the heat inside your home circulate underneath your sinks to keep those pipes open and flowing properly.

4. Run your water regularly on cold winter days! Every few hours run some tap water in your kitchen, bathroom and laundry room sinks, as well as your tub and shower. Go around and flush the toilets too! Doing this at regular intervals will keep your pipes from freezing up.

5. Turn your faucets on during the cold nighttime hours so that water slowly drips out. This should be a very slow drip, not a stream of water. Having the faucet dripping allows the water pressure to stay stable which prevents pipes from bursting.

6. Keep your thermostat on and at a reasonable temperature even when you are not home! If you are going to be traveling, do not turn off your heat! The heat from within your home will help to keep your plumbing pipes from freezing. You can turn down the thermostat, but never turn it off!

By utilizing these six simple tips this winter season, you can reduce your chances of experiencing a frozen pipe problem in your home or place of business.

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