It’s very common that pipes may freeze during winter. A frozen pipe will generate pressure inside and can develop cracks or even lead to bursts. One of the reliable ways to prevent pipes from being frozen is to keep them warm enough.
Look into the tips for preventing the pipes from freezing,
Keep the Heat On
During vacation time you may go for long trips so before planning to head out just make sure that the heat is kept on in your property. If your tenants leave the home for a certain period of time, ask them also to do the same. The reason for keeping the hat on is to prevent pipes from freezing. Suppose if the pipes freeze and burst it can cause a lot of water damage to the property.
Don’t keep the heat as high as you normally would keep it if you were actually in the property, setting above 50 F is a good idea. This will provide enough heat to keep the pipes warm and stop the water entering inside from freezing.
Allow faucet dripping
To avoid pipe freezing, you can open the faucet fed by that pipe just a bit so the faucet drips slightly. If the faucet is open, it relieves pressure in the system. The pipe will be frozen due to the pressure that is created between the blockage and the faucet, this leads to bursting. If the faucet has both hot and cold water pipes, then open both faucet taps slightly to avoid bursting.
Keep Interior Doors Open
Pipes are often located in cabinets. If the temperature fluctuates it’s a good idea to keep these cabinet doors open. This will spread heat to all the rooms and keep the pipes warm as well. Keep all interior doors open to allow the heat throughout the home.
Fill up every crack and hole
Use caulk or spray foam insulation to seal cracks and gaps on the walls in which pipes may run. Try to block those holes from both the interior and exterior. If you find any holes on the floor, seal it well. The cabinet compartments will remain cool anyway. The cool air from outdoors enters into the interiors through those holes and makes the compartments cooler.
Use of heating tape
Heating tapes are electric blankets for your water pipes. The purpose of the tape is to spread heat to the pipes and keep it warm. Apply heat tapes to a small section of a pipe which has the maximum chance of freezing. Heating tapes are available in two varieties.
One type will switch itself on and off sensing the environment condition.
The next type has to be plugged in when the heat is required, if not needed then switch off.
Add Extra Insulation
Pipes which are located in basements or attics, may need extra insulation to keep from freezing. Not only these areas should be focused to add insulation. If you face a problem with pipes freezing anywhere in your home, extra insulation could be the cure.
Pipes can be fitted with foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves to prevent the pipes from freezing. Additional insulation can also be added to walls and ceilings as pipes may run through it.