How to Prevent Pipes from Bursting in Winter
Make sure that any garden hoses are disconnected from outdoor spigots when winter comes.
Cold winter temperatures can cause problems with plumbing. When temperatures reach below zero, there is a risk of pipes bursting and the home becoming flooded with water. This happens due to the water inside the pipe freezing and expanding, which causes small cracks to form in the pipe and compromise the pipe's stability. When the pipes thaw, water pushes through those cracks, leading to a pipe burst. Consider the following ways to prevent pipes from bursting in the home.
Leave the pipes dripping
When the temperature drops below freezing, stagnant water can freeze inside a pipe. To prevent this, leave faucets dripping slightly with a little water to keep the water moving and prevent it from freezing. Though counterintuitive to leave water running overnight, a small amount should not cause a substantial increase in the water bill, and whatever the cost amounts to is much less expensive than repairing a burst pipe.
Open vanity drawers
If the bathroom has a sink with a vanity underneath, it's helpful to open the doors to the vanity to prevent pipes from freezing. While this is not the only necessary technique, it's impactful when combined with other techniques. Opening the vanity drawers helps circulate warm air in the home to the area underneath the sink where the pipes are located. Without opening the vanity doors, the air inside is isolated and can become significantly colder than the air in the house. It also helps to leave bathroom exhaust vents running to help circulate the air in the bathroom.
Disconnect garden hoses
Make sure that any garden hoses are disconnected from outdoor spigots when winter comes. If water is left to sit in the hose, it can go back into the pipe due to pressure when the water starts to freeze. Water can also be trapped in the connection where the hose meets the fixture, causing that piece to break. Disconnecting the hose is one of the simplest ways to keep the plumbing safe.
Heat the pipes
If exposed pipes are in a space with no heat, such as the basement or crawl space, they are likely to freeze; however, there are a few methods to keep these pipes warm. The best thing to do is apply an electric heating cable to the pipes, which warms them and prevents them from freezing. If the heating cables aren't suitable, foam insulation can be used to insulate the pipes better. A small amount of foam can go a long way, and it's an affordable DIY project.
A burst pipe is one of the worst catastrophes that can occur in the home during winter, so plumbing should be diligently cared for and kept warm. For advice on best handling plumbing in the winter, contact a professional HVAC contractor. These professionals can assess the home and give specific recommendations for keeping the plumbing system from freezing.
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