Do you want to avoid pipe bursts in winter? The following tips will help you along the way.
When winter says hello, we all get too busy putting on our sweaters and earmuffs. Amidst the mayhem, we fail to pay attention to our plumbing. During the cold winter months, water pipes can freeze. When water freezes inside piping, it expands and weakens pipes which may develop into leaks or ruptures. Ruptures and leaks result in water damage that can cost several thousands of dollars to repair. Leaks that are not quickly repaired can further develop into mold and mildew, resulting in even more cost.
Here are a few tips that will help you prevent pipes from bursting or leaking.
Insulate the Pipes
It sounds strange but exposed pipes are prone to freezing, in cold weather. There are several ways to keep pipes from freezing, and one of them is insulation. Foam insulation for plumbing is easily available at any home maintenance store. You can simply wrap your pipes with insulating foam that helps reduce the chance of freezing. Another way to insulate exposed pipes is by wrapping them with insulating tape and heat trace that is controlled by a thermostat.
Let the Faucets Drip
To most people, a dripping faucet is a matter of concern, which should be resolved. Contrary to popular belief, it is good for faucets to drip during the winter months. The slight flow keeps the water moving through the pipes and lessens the chance of them freezing. This lessens the chance of ice expanding in the pipe and causing damage to joints and pipes lessening the likelihood of ruptures and leaks developing.
Seal the Leaks and Cracks 
Winter is the perfect time to keep the caulk handy. The purpose here is to keep as much cold air out, as possible. The walls and foundation of your home should be inspected regularly for leaks and cracks. The places you should take care of are areas around windows, wiring, and of course plumbing. Once the cracks and leaks have been located, make sure to caulk them to keep the cold air out.
Open Interior Doors
Whether you are home or not, the interior doors should be kept open whenever possible. Open doors allow heat to circulate through the house, efficiently. As a result, the heat also reaches the areas near your pipes, helping to keep them from freezing.
Keep Garage Door Closed
As important as it is to keep interior doors open, you should ensure garage doors are closed. Keeping garage doors shut is even more important if you have pipes that run through your garage. The purpose here is to keep the colder air outside. This will help keep any piping from freezing and can even help lower heating and cooling costs for your entire home.
Leave Thermostat Turned On
If you are going to leave for an extended period of time, such as vacation, the setting of your thermostat shouldn’t be lower than 50 degrees. Even though your heating bill during this time may be higher than turning it off, it is less expensive than having to pay a repair bill for water damage from ruptured pipes.
Be sure to follow the tips mentioned above to assist in keeping your pipes from developing these issues during the cold winter months.
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