Icicles hanging from a frozen water jets, tube, yellow pipe. aged wall background. winter time concept.

4 Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter

The harsh winter months can present some challenges for homeowners. One challenge that many are likely to face is frozen pipes that can leave you without running water. However, you can avoid frozen pipes by taking the necessary steps before and during the winter season.

1. Insulate Your Pipes

One of the most important things you can do to prevent frozen pipes is to ensure that the plumbing in your home is adequately insulated. The best way to do this is to have an experienced plumber install the insulation for you. They understand which pipes are most vulnerable and will ensure that the correct insulation is used.

2. Winterize Your Home

Winterizing your home is another way to ensure that you do not experience frozen pipes this winter. Many homes, particularly older homes, have gaps and cracks around windows and doors that can let cold air in and warm, conditioned air out. Sealing these gaps and cracks with caulk or weatherstripping will ensure that your home stays warm enough to prevent frozen pipes. You may also want to check the insulation in crawl spaces, attics, your garage, and other areas that may contain vulnerable plumbing. If your insulation isn’t adequate, have a professional install more.

3. Adjust Your Thermostat

One of the easiest things that you can do to prevent frozen pipes is to keep an eye on your thermostat. This is easy to do when you’re at home, but you also want to keep your home at the right temperature while you’re away. At a minimum, you want your thermostat set to at least 55 degrees. Any lower than this, and you risk frozen plumbing.

To make it easier to care for your home, invest in a programmable thermostat. With the option to set several programs, you can have different settings for times when you’re home and away. Smart thermostats take things one step further; they can learn your habits for you and set programs themselves. A smart thermostat can also be controlled from anywhere using an app and connected device, making it possible to adjust settings while you’re on vacation.

4. Open Faucets

Another way to prevent frozen pipes is by leaving some faucets running throughout the winter. It also helps relieve pressure that may cause the rupture of pipes. When you let your faucets run, you only need to allow them to trickle. It’s best to let the faucet farthest away from your water main trickle. This will ensure that water runs throughout all your pipes, preventing freezing in the entire plumbing system.

The above tips should ensure that you do not experience freezing pipes and will also prevent damage caused by frozen pipes. If you do have a plumbing issue that requires leak repair or another service in Redding, CA, contact us at Steve Beaton Plumbing today.