3 Ways to Prevent Water Pipes From Freezing

There’s a high chance that the pipes in your house will freeze once the weather turns cold. It may not seem like anything more than a slight nuisance, but it can be dangerous to the pipes themselves. Water expands as it freezes and puts tremendous pressure on what’s containing it, the pipes in this case. It’s not uncommon for pipes to crack or burst as they freeze.

In this post, Handyman Connection® of Carmel shares three ways to prevent water pipes from freezing.

Prepare the Pipes for Winter

Preparing the pipes and water sources for winter can save you the hassle of thawing out the pipes once the weather starts getting colder. Start by draining the water from the swimming pool, sprinkler system or fountains. It’s also a good idea to drain the hoses and store them properly. Don’t leave them attached to the faucet as the leftover water will freeze and head all the way back to the source and eventually travel all the way to the pipes.

Ensure Proper Insulation

For homeowners with water supplies housed in the garage, you can prevent the pipes from freezing by ensuring the area is properly insulated. It’s as simple as closing the garage door when the temperatures drop.

It’s also a good idea to periodically open the kitchen, bathroom or any door connecting the garage to the main house. This allows warm air to circulate properly across the rooms and will help warm the pipes.

Another trick is to let the cold water drip from the faucet that you suspect has pipes that are starting to freeze. While it may seem counterproductive, letting the water flow actually prevents it from freezing within the pipes.

Manually Thaw the Pipes

There are cases where you’ll have to manually thaw out the pipes. There are several ways to do this, and the simplest method is to apply heat to the frozen section of the pipe using an electric pad. You can also blow dry the surface with a hairdryer.

Reminder: when manually thawing the pipes, always use electric heat sources. Don’t use kerosene, blow torches or propane heaters. They are trickier to handle and can actually damage the pipes if you’re not careful.

Handyman Connection of Carmel will help you address your frozen water pipes. We offer plumbing, carpentry and other home improvement services. Call us today at (317) 342-2040, or fill out our form to learn more about our services.