Winter brings with it a lot of unpredictability, and you never really know what you might get from year to year. It doesn’t matter if weather experts are predicting warmer than usual weather, or if they are saying it’s going to be a long winter, there’s always going to be at least a few storms that have the potential to bring cold weather that can lead to frozen pipes.
So whether there is a deep freeze that lasts for a few days, or an ice storm that knocks out power for a few hours or more, it’s possible to experience frozen pipes. Preparation is the key to preventing frozen pipes, and now is the time to get started.
Prevention Steps to Take Now
1.) Take advantage of nice weather now to identify areas that are at risk of frozen pipes and take action. Check the insulation in your attic or crawlspace, and make sure your pipes are adequately protected. If you need to add insulation, make sure to follow all directions and wear the necessary protective equipment, especially when dealing with fiberglass insulation.
2.) You should also make sure you know where your water shutoff valve is and how to shut off water for your entire house. If you end up with a burst pipe, your definitely going to need to shut off the main water supply line quickly, and it will need to stay off until the pipe can be repaired. A temporary patch kit can be used to seal the pipe until a permanent repair can be made, but should only be used if necessary. Remember that if conditions existed to freeze the pipe once, it may happen again before repairs can be made.
3.) If you have a large unfinished area in your home, foam board can be used to temporarily insulate the area. Secure the foam boards to the framing using drywall screws. This will help keep cold air out, and will add a layer of insulation to keep the air inside warmer longer.
What to Do When it Gets Cold
When the temperatures drop and there is the potential for frozen pipes, it’s still not too late for a little prevention. Avoid the temptation to turn down the thermostat to save money and energy when it gets really cold outside, as this can cause the uninsulated areas of your home to drop below freezing and lead to frozen pipes.
A heat trace cable can be installed on pipes susceptible to freezing. Be sure to follow all directions for correct installation and use. In a pinch, a space heater can be used to keep uninsulated or poorly insulated areas above freezing to prevent frozen pipes.
At Regent Restoration, we understand that even with the best prevention, frozen pipes and the water damage that follows can and do still happen. Our water damage restoration team is on-call 24 hours a day and will respond quickly to your water damage emergency. Contact us today.