Preventing Pipes From Freezing

2/15/2021 (Permalink)

Lower Temps Mean Busted Pipes

The Birmingham, AL surrounding areas, are seeing some cooler than normal temps and when this happens, if you are not prepared, you could find yourself in an emergency water damage.

Below a few steps, you can take to help decrease your chances of dealing with pipe bursts as a result of the cold weather:

1. Leave the Heat On - This may seem self-explanatory, but if you’re away overnight or gone for long periods of time, setting your indoor temperature no lower than 55°F helps ensure your pipes aren’t as exposed to the cold.
2. Insulate Pipes - Though you should always ensure your attic and crawl space are properly insulated year-round, a makeshift quick, and inexpensive way to insulate your pipes would be to wrap pipes in heat take or heat cables with thermostat control. This will work in a pinch, but we recommend properly insulating these high-risk areas.
3. Seal Cracks and Opening - To prevent drafts, seal or caulk cracks and openings around windows, doors, dryer vents, water pipes. and sill plates.
4. Open Cabinets - Opening cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom allow for warmer air to circulate around the pipes and plumbing. Just make sure to move any cleaners or household chemicals away from the reach of children.
5. Keep Garage Doors Closed - Protect your home from being exposed to colder temperatures and shield any water supply lines that may be in the garage by closing the garage door.
6. Keep Interior Doors Open - For the same purpose of allowing warmer air to circulate around pipes and plumbing, keeping interior doors open helps to spread the warmth.
7. Let Faucets Drip - Letting cold water drip from a faucet helps to keep water flowing throughout the pipes. As the water flows, even if it’s just a trickle, it helps to prevent pipes from freezing.

If you do find yourself in a water issue due to busted frozen pipes, make sure to call SERVPRO of Birmingham, our water damage professionals are trained and certified to handle any disaster you find yourself in during these colder months.