Begging to Burst: Tips to Keep Your Pipes Safe

| 532 Words | 4 Min Read | D. Hiester |

In Colorado, it is November but still reaching unlikely high temperatures of 70 degrees. However, our warm spell will die out at some point, and when it does, it can be a bitter change for your wardrobe as well as your home. As these cold winter months bring a need for some hot chocolate and a good book by the fire, making sure your pipes are in good condition is vital. Here are some tips to keep your pipes safe through the cold months.

Keep your water moving

Science tells us that if water is running, it is much harder for it to freeze. It is the same when it comes to your pipes. Letting one or two facets drip water slowly when you go to sleep should keep your pipes from freezing in extreme cold. If it is cold enough during the day, you can also use this tactic to ensure pipe safety.

Warm those pipes

Often times, pipes that freeze and eventually burst are ones that are located near an outside wall or window. These pipes, as you could guess, get colder because they are closer to the harsh outdoor temperatures. Directing warm air to these parts of your home can help keep those pipes well maintained. That can be as simple as using a space heater or heat lamp in cold areas of your home. 

Address Your Cabinet Mr. or Mrs. President

Pardon the cheesy pun, but it is vital in your home to address your cabinets. These can be iceboxes of cold air around your pipes. If your kitchen sink is located on an exterior wall (which more often than not it is), then you should leave the cabinets open that contain the lower part of the unit.

Disconnect Your Hose

Sadly, it is no longer the season to be washing your car. Thus, you should be sure to disconnect your hose from the outside faucet. Doing this allows water to drain out of the faucet and hose bib, keeping both of them from freezing and breaking.

Check out New Tech

Technology continually innovates ways to improve life and comfort. There are products such as heat tape that can help your pipes. This product warms pipes both outside and inside as needed, and can be installed professionally or as a DIY project. There are also new home heating systems that will also have heating mechanisms installed near pipe units to help home safety.

Be a Home Detective

Get on your Inspector Clouseau outfit and start investigating your home. You will want to look for and cracks or leaks that will let cold air into your home, especially near pipe locations. Seal those damaged places, because in extreme cold even the smallest crack can expand and lead to cold drafts that will freeze pipes and make them burst. 

After each of these tips, you might still have questions or concerns in your home. Call a licensed plumber and have them come to your home to advise you on further points of interest. That is the best way to ensure your home is safe for the change in temperature.