Frozen pipes are a common issue during the winter, one that can cause quite a bit of damage if it isn’t dealt with. As the water in the pipes freezes and expands, it puts pressure on the walls of the pipe. This can eventually result in leaks, and even pipe ruptures. If you want to protect your pipes from freezing this winter, there are a couple of different things that you can do. Read on to find out how to prevent your pipes from freezing this winter.
Open Your Faucets
The pipes most vulnerable to freezing are the ones located outside the home. If you have any outdoor faucets that you use for sprinklers or hoses, turn off all water flow to those points. Then, open the faucets and leave them open. This will drain the water out of the pipes, preventing it from freezing and damaging the plumbing.
Insulate Your Vulnerable Pipes
Some pipes in the home are vulnerable to freezing, but have to remain in use throughout the winter. This often includes pipes under sinks, in crawl spaces, or in basements. If you want to protect these pipes from freezing, you’re going to have to do a bit more than with your outdoor pipes. The easiest thing to do is get some pipe insulating sleeves from your nearest hardware store. These will keep the temperature of the water in the pipes from dropping too low. If you don’t want to do that, though, you can also wrap the exposed pipes in towels to accomplish the same effect. The important thing is that you keep the pipes as warm and insulated as you can.
Tuckers Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing offers plumbing services throughout Chevy Chase, MD. If you need plumbing services of any kind, call today to schedule an appointment with one of our expert technicians.