Frozen Pipes
January 7, 2022
Winter freeze with its frigid, cold waive costs property owners billions of dollars annually. The famous 2021 Texas freeze is estimated to cost $80 to $130 billion. Burst, frozen water pipes damage appliances, sheetrock, flooring, electrical, paint and more – it can make your home unlivable.
Simple, precautionary steps will reduce the likelihood of frozen pipes -here are a few:
If you leave for a vacation during winter, turn the water off to the entire home. In fact, anytime when you leave your home for a few days, turn off the water.
Pipes that run along exterior walls freeze more easily. The cold air can penetrate minimally or poorly insulated areas.
Maintain a minimum of 55° F when you do leave. Keep your thermostat set at the same temperature during the day and night.
During extreme cold weather, keep interior doors open, including kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors. This allows heat from the rest of your house to spread, keeping your pipes warmer.
Add extra insulation to your pipes. Fit your pipes with foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves. Wrap vulnerable pipes in a quality UL approved heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables.
Disconnect outdoor water faucets; use freeze proof outdoor water faucets.
During bouts of extreme cold, allow faucets to drip slightly. This can alleviate pressure in the piping system.
A backup generator will provide continuous power and heat during winter outages. You are also eligible for a reduction in your homeowners’ premium.
Consider installing an automatic shutoff valve and/or a leak detection system.
Enjoy a safe, warm, health winter season.