The winter is the season that gets everyone looking for ways to keep warm. Homeowners scramble to put their furnace in the best working condition. How
The winter is the season that gets everyone looking for ways to keep warm. Homeowners scramble to put their furnace in the best working condition. However, many people forget to prepare their pipes for this cold season. And that is why many pipes burst and cause damage to properties – the situation that necessitates water damage restoration.
Meanwhile, you should take necessary precautions to protect your pipes from cold. As the water in the pipes freezes, the pipes expand and suffer extreme pressure, which causes the pipes to burst. To avert this damage and unavoidable water damage restoration that results from the damage, read the tips below to prevent your pipes from breaking.
1. Insulate Your Pipes
Exposed pipes are likely to freeze and burst in the long run. However, you can take advantage of foam insulation to protect your pipes from the cold temperature. Wrap the foam around the pipes – this will reduce the intensity of the cold on your pipes. Other options include wrapping exposed pipes with heat tape or by using thermostat-controlled heat cables.
2. Allow the Faucet to Drip
Although many people see dripping faucets as a serious issue that must be fixed immediately, you have to let your faucet drip a little to ensure water flow and reduce pressure in the pipes. As a result, your pipes will not be prone to bursting this winter.
3. Seal Leaks and Cracks
As you are preparing to protect yourself from cold, you must remember to protect your home and pipes also. Another way to prevent your pipes from bursting is to find and caulk holes, gaps, and cracks that could allow air leaks in your house. Check dryer vents area, electrical wiring, windows, and pipes. A caulk gun will be handy this winter to keep out the chill from your home and prevent water damage restoration due to pipe bursts.
4. Keep the Home Warm
Keeping your home warm will keep your pipes free from freezing, which can make them burst. If you are not around for a couple of weeks, keep the heat on in your property and set it above 50 F to prevent freezing. If the pipes freeze and burst, the water damage to your property will be severe and require significant water damage restoration.
5. Remove Hoses from the Outdoor Faucet
Leaving a hose on the outdoor faucet will allow the remaining water in it to freeze and cause the pipe to burst when you turn on the faucet. Therefore, remove and drain the hose before storing it. Also, shut off all the valves supplying water to the outdoor hose bibs and let the hose bibs drain.
Water damage restoration can be more expensive than preventing your pipes from bursting. Protect your pipes to enjoy the winter with peace of mind.
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