Getting the house ready for winter can be a time-consuming process, but taking the right steps to prevent the cold weather from wreaking havoc on the home is crucial. Aside from cleaning out the gutters and tending to the landscaping, homeowners should pay particular attention to their pipes and plumbing, especially if temperatures regularly drop below freezing. We’ve gathered a few handy tips to help you keep your pipes from freezing this winter.
Seal Everything
Before the cold weather really sets in, do a thorough inspection of the home for any cracks or openings outside. Pay close attention to windows and doors, as well as anywhere external cables or piping enters the house. Also, take care to look at where the house meets the foundation and seal up any gaps. Simple caulking will help keep the cold and damp out of the house and away from the pipes. The more insulated your home is, the less likely your pipes are to freeze.
Keep the Heat On
If you plan on traveling for the winter holiday season, make sure that you keep the heat on in your home. Turning it off entirely could lead to frozen pipes while you’re away – and that could be more costly to repair than what your electricity bill would be if you had left it on.
The good news is that you don’t have to keep your home at the regular temperature you keep it when you’re there. All you want to do is keep the pipes from freezing, so a minimum temperature of 55 degrees will do.
Don’t Fiddle With the Thermostat
Many homeowners turn the thermostat down at night to reduce the heating bill, but letting the house cool down too much overnight could mean problems for your plumbing. Instead, keeping the temperature the same throughout the day and night ensures that ice never has a chance to build. Likewise, there won’t be any extra stress on pipes due to sudden heating in the morning when the temperature is brought up.
Close the Garage
You’ve probably noticed that your garage is often much cooler than the rest of the house, even in the summer. The smooth concrete flooring of most residential garages maintains a lower temperature year-round, which means keeping the door closed in winter is especially important. The garage is also home to vulnerable water supply lines, so reducing the temperature in the garage any more during the cold months could lead to freezing. Keep your garage doors closed as often as you can and replace any damaged garage door seals.
Insulate Pipes
The best way to prevent frozen pipes this winter is by investing in pipe insulation. The cost is relatively low for the effect it has, and there are several varieties to suit all budgets and needs. Fiberglass, polyethylene, and foam are the most common types of insulation for pipes, though a foam pool noodle cut to size and affixed with duct tape have been known to work in an emergency situation.
When you place your pipe insulation, pay close attention to pipes in the coldest areas of the house: garage, basement, attic, and laundry room.
Trust the Sewer & Drain Experts
For over 37 years Boston Drain Company has provided diagnostics, sewer & drain cleaning, video pipe inspections, sewer line repairs, and preventative maintenance options to business owners and residents of Eastern Massachusetts & the Greater Boston Area. For any and all sewer & drain repair/service, call the experts at Boston Drain! Not sure if you’re needing a full replacement or just a quick fix? For a free quote contact us today via our convenient contact form or call us directly at 617-265-8888!