Did you know frozen pipes are one of the most common causes of water damage during the winter? Here in New England, our winters can be brutal…not only for us but for our homes, too. When pipes freeze, they can burst—leaving you with unwanted water damage and potential flooding.
Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to prevent your pipes from turning into a disaster. Here are five ways to protect your pipes this season:
Keep your thermostat at the same temperature
It may be tempting to frequently turn your heat up and down to save on your heating bill, and it doesn’t help that winters in RI fluctuate a lot, causing us to turn our heat way up on some days and turn it off completely on others. Try to keep your thermostat at a steady temperature (above 55℉), especially when you’re away on vacation, to make sure your pipes remain heated at all times.
Turn your faucets on
Keeping a constant flow of cold water running through your pipes, even if it’s just dripping. While running cold water may seem counterintuitive, already cold, moving water is actually harder to freeze than standing water. Additionally, the constant movement through the pipes can prevent any blockages.
Seal windows and doors
This may seem like an obvious one, but oftentimes closing windows and shutting doors aren’t enough, as they can still allow cold air to seep into your home. Check your home for any cracks or openings not only around windows and doors but in the walls or on the floors near any pipes. Sealing off the outside cold air will keep the heat contained in your home.
Open cabinet doors
Contrary to the last tip, it actually helps to keep kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open. Why? It allows the warm air in your home to circulate inside of the cabinets as well, and around piping. Don’t forget—if you have pets or small children, make sure there aren’t any cleaning products or household chemicals in those cabinets that are within reach!
Consider insulation
For a longer-term solution, consider adding insulation to your home if it’s not already. Insulating rooms like basements and attics can keep warm air in and cold air out, so your pipes remain at a consistent temperature. If you’re not interested in installing professional insulation, wrapping your pipes with tape, towels, and even newspaper is a great short-term solution to keep your pipe temperatures under control.
So, what if you still find yourself in a situation with burst pipes? If there’s any water damage, acting fast is crucial. Completely switch off your water supply and then call us to handle the rest. Regardless of the time of day, we’ll be there to minimize the damage, clean up, and get your home back to feeling like paradise again.
