How to Keep Pipes from Freezing
In areas like Columbus, where winter temperatures can range from “parkas and ski masks” to “shorts
and t-shirts,” it’s important to be prepared for anything – and this means taking some proactive measures to keep your home’s pipes from freezing. Fortunately, with just a bit of work, you should be able to ensure a steady supply of water all winter long. Read on to learn more about preparing your pipes for winter weather.
What can you do to keep your pipes from freezing in Columbus?
Frozen pipes aren’t just inconvenient – they can be expensive to repair. As water freezes, it expands, so pipes that are filled with water can develop cracks as the temperature drops. There are a few tried-and-true methods that can prevent ice from forming (or staying) in your pipes.
- Heat tape
If your pipes are exposed above-ground (for example, below a mobile or manufactured home) or route through a cold basement or crawl space, applying heat tape to the exposed surfaces can stave off cold temperatures. This tape won’t be warm enough to change the temperature of the water inside your pipes, but can prevent the outer pipes from freezing solid.
- Running faucet
Another trick that can come in handy on nights it’s too cold or snowy to run to the store is to simply to turn on a few faucets in the house. Running water is much tougher to freeze than still water, and even a trickle during the coldest part of the night should be enough to keep your pipes thawed.
What should you do if you wake up to frozen pipes?
If, despite your best efforts, your pipes do freeze, it’s important to contact a rescue plumbing service – attempting to thaw them out yourself could do more damage. Fortunately, our friendly and prompt professionals have the expertise to get your water running again before you’ve missed so much as a shower or load of laundry.