If you live in an area that experiences severely cold winters, you’re probably aware of the dangers that frozen pipes can cause. A significant amount of home insurance claims are due to water damage or freezing during the cold months, which is why it’s crucial to make sure that you protect your property during icy conditions.

Which Pipes Are Most Likely To Freeze?

• Pipes that run along the exterior of a building with little or no insulation.
• Internal pipes that supply water in areas that don’t receive heating, such as attics, basements, cabinets, kitchen, garages, etc.
• Exterior pipes that are exposed to freezing conditions, such as sprinkler lines and swimming pool supply lines.

Signs Your Pipes are Already Frozen

There are several signs which may indicate that your water pipes are frozen. It’s imperative to contact a qualified plumber to assist with pipe repair if you suspect this problem. During the colder winter months, keep an eye out for:

• Strange sounds coming from your drains
• Strange smells coming from the kitchen or bathroom sinks
• Gurgling sounds
• No water or low water flow
• Unusual water pressure
• Leaks
• Frost on outdoor or indoor pipes
• Condensation
• Puddles of water

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

Here’s the solution; it’s best to prepare yourself in advance. There are a few simple precautions you can take:

1. Open a cold and hot water faucet in your home and let it drip water. Flowing water is less likely to freeze.
2. If you’re planning to travel away from your home during winter, find the water supply valve and shut down the main water supply to your house. Then, open the cold and hot faucets and allow the water in the system to drain out.
3. Get a qualified plumber to insulate your outdoor and indoor pipes most prone to freezing.
4. This may be a less cost-effective approach, but, if at all possible, keep your home at a higher temperature using a thermostat, a gas fireplace, or a portable space heater. If you plan to use this method, don’t forget to close off any non-plumbing rooms to prevent heat loss.
5. Open all cabinets with plumbing inside to allow heat to circulate through them.
6. Install a smart water monitoring device or leak detection alarm.

Contact Bill Frusco Plumbing for More Information

Let Bill Frusco Plumbing help keep your home in excellent condition all winter long. Contact us to learn more!