If winter temperatures dip to 20 degrees or below, the water lines in your home are vulnerable to freezing. When plumbing pipes freeze, the water inside expands. The pressure this expansion creates can cause the line to burst, leaving you with water damage and costly repairs when everything thaws out.
The best way to avoid the headache and expense of frozen, ruptured water lines is to properly winterize plumbing and pipes in and around your home.
Protect Vulnerable Areas
Insulate both hot and cold water pipes situated in unconditioned areas, such as the attic, garage, basement or crawlspace. Most hardware stores carry inexpensive polyethylene insulation sleeves that are easy to install. Wrap pipes located in exterior walls with UL-listed heat trace tape before installing sleeve insulation.
Look After the Hose Bib
Put away your garden hose and shut off the indoor valve that feeds the spigot. Next, open the outdoor faucet and let the line drain. Leave it open to prevent a pressure buildup, and cover the hose bib with a Styrofoam insulator for an extra layer of protection.
Drain Outdoor Water Lines
If you have a sprinkler system or swimming pool, drain the water lines but don’t add anti-freeze unless it’s specifically mentioned by your manufacturer.
Take Extra Precautions During Cold Snaps
When the forecast is calling for extremely low temperatures, open the cabinet doors under the bathroom and kitchen sinks so warm air can circulate around the water lines. Open up the faucets just slightly to maintain a trickle of water to help avert frozen pipes. Keep the thermostat set at your usual daytime temperature consistently, rather than dialing it back to reduce energy consumption.
Eliminate Air Leaks
Check around your exterior walls and foundation for gaps, cracks and holes where cold winter air can infiltrate. Seal up any you locate with caulking or an expandable foam product. Repair cracked basement windows, and replace damaged or missing weatherstripping and insulation around basement and garage doors.
For more tips on how to winterize plumbing and pipes in your Greater Cleveland area home, contact Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.
Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Vasily Kozlov/Shutterstock”
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