Prevent Frozen Pipes

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage in a home due to burst pipe in Clear Lake, TX.

Prevent Frozen Pipes

Cold weather in Clear Lake, TX, can cause frozen pipes. It makes landlords and homeowners alike anxious every time the temperatures start to dip below freezing. However, there are steps you can take to lessen the likelihood you will need a water line repair.

Facts

Freezing pipes are not just a cold-climate problem. Homes located in warmer climates actually tend to be more vulnerable. This is because pipes are less likely to be properly insulated in these milder locales. When the weather does get cold, problems occur.

Frozen pipes cause many issues. Not only can they prevent water flow, but they can actually burst, causing water damage and potential flooding. Taking preventative precautions is the key to preventing such disasters.

Tips

There are some measures you can take to help keep your pipes from freezing:

• Keep the heat on.
  
• Leave cabinet doors open during cold weather.
  
• Wrap pipes in electrical heating tape.
  
• Add extra insulation to pipes located outside or in vulnerable areas.
  
• Allow faucets to drip slightly.
  
  

If you are leaving your home, keep the heat on while you are gone. You don’t have to leave it on high, but keeping it set above 50 degrees Fahrenheit is a good idea. Pipes are usually located in cabinets. By leaving these doors open, heat can more easily get to these areas. Applying heating tape directly to easily accessible pipes adds an extra layer of protection against the cold.

Some pipes need to be further protected with insulation to keep them from succumbing to the weather. Turning faucets onto a drip relieves pressure in the system. Frozen pipes actually cause pressure, which is why they may burst.

Dropping temperatures don’t have to make you a nervous wreck. Before the days and nights start getting unbearably cold, take the time to insulate your pipes and prepare for the winter months. Taking a few precautionary steps upfront can save you a lot of headaches later. If you are dealing with water damage from a plumbing leak, hire a professional water mitigation specialist to make sure your home is properly recovered.