Prevent Frozen Pipes In Winters with Boston Pro HVAC experts.
As temperatures drop during the winter months, frozen pipes can become a common and frustrating problem for homeowners. When water inside a pipe freezes, it expands and can cause the pipe to crack or burst, leading to costly repairs and water damage. However, there are steps you can take to prevent your pipes from freezing and avoid these issues. Here are some tips:
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Keep your home heated: Keep your home heated to at least 55°F (12°C), even when you’re away. This will help to keep the temperature inside your home above freezing and prevent your pipes from freezing.
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Insulate your pipes: Insulate your pipes with foam insulation sleeves or wrapping to keep them warm and prevent them from freezing. This is especially important for pipes that are located in unheated areas such as basements, crawl spaces, attics, and garages.
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Seal air leaks: Seal any air leaks around windows, doors, and pipes with caulk or weatherstripping to prevent cold air from entering your home and freezing your pipes.
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Let faucets drip: When temperatures drop below freezing, let your faucets drip slightly to relieve pressure in the pipes and prevent them from freezing. Even a small drip can make a big difference.
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Open cabinet doors: Open cabinet doors under sinks and in other areas where pipes are located to allow warm air to circulate around them and prevent them from freezing.
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Shut off outdoor water supply: Shut off and drain outdoor faucets and irrigation systems before the first freeze to prevent water from freezing inside and damaging the pipes.
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Keep the garage door closed: If you have water pipes in your garage, keep the garage door closed to help maintain a warmer temperature and prevent freezing.
By taking these steps, you can help prevent frozen pipes and avoid the costly repairs and water damage that can result. If you do encounter frozen pipes, it’s important to act quickly to prevent them from bursting. Turn off the water supply to the affected area and use a hair dryer, heat lamp, or heating pad to thaw the frozen pipe slowly. Never use an open flame to thaw pipes, as this can be a fire hazard. If you’re unsure of what to do or if you can’t access the frozen pipe, call Boston Pro HVAC experts for assistance.
