Handy Tips to Keep Pipes from Freezing

From late fall on into winter, holiday parties, family gatherings and other special occasions are the focus of families across the country. At this wonderful time of year, no one wants to worry about busted water pipes and the flooding, structural damage and potential mold that can result when the worst happens. Fortunately, a few simple precautions and a little plumbing maintenance are usually all it takes to prevent this disaster from happening to you.

1. Insulate your pipes. Insulating pipes is important, even in areas where temperatures generally don’t drop below freezing. Exposed pipes are far more likely to freeze. Before winter arrives, make sure the pipes in your attic or crawl space are well-protected with an adequate layer of insulation.
2. Disconnect the garden hose. Forgetting to disconnect the garden hose from the spigot on your home’s exterior is mistake that can cause huge problems. Any water left in hoses or pipes leading outside your house can potentially freeze, putting pressure on the pipes and increasing the likelihood that they will crack and break. In addition to removing the hose, shut off the indoor water valve and drain the water out of any pipes leading outdoors.
3. Maintain a steady household temperature. While it might be tempting to turn down the thermostat at night to save money, this could be disastrous for your pipes. Nighttime temperatures can plummet unexpectedly and if your thermostat is set too low, your heating system may not be able to bring the heat back up quickly enough to prevent pipes from freezing.
4. Take precautions before going out of town. The last thing you want to return to after a long trip, or even a short weekend jaunt, is a flooded house and a huge repair bill. If you are heading out of town for any length of time this winter, make sure your house is protected against the cold. Set your thermostat no lower than 55°F. Shut off and drain the water system by turning on the faucets and flushing all the toilets.

Expert Plumbing Maintenance & Repair

If your pipes end up bursting despite your best efforts, call the Handyman Connection at 1-800-88-HANDY. We’ll quickly send out an experienced handyman plumber to get your home and life back in order.