Winter is here and that means temperatures dipping well below freezing. These freezing temperatures not only cause us to bundle up before going outside but it can also mean the plumbing in your home takes on a new threat. Frozen pipes in Ann Arbor Michigan can lead to all sorts of problems from water damage in the home to mold growth in the home. There are some things you can do to help prevent frozen pipes with just a few steps. We’ll go over some thing you can do to prevent this disaster in your home.
Ways to Protect Your Home From Frozen Pipes in Ann Arbor Michigan
While most home should have protective measures in place which can protect pipes from freezing, they don’t always work as planned. This is especially true in severe cold temperatures. Local building codes require homes to have protection in place but older homes may not have this protection. If that’s the case with your home or we’re forecast to have much colder temperatures than normal be sure to take these precautionary steps to prevent frozen pipes at your property.
Keep the Furnace Going
If you’re planning on leaving your home on vacation or an extended amount of time, you’ll need to keep the home at a temperature whereas the inside pipes don’t freeze. You don’t need to keep it as comfortable as you would if you were at home but turning off the heat completely can cause frozen pipes. You don’t have to keep the heat as high as usual, but it is worth keeping it at 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This will provide sufficient heat to keep pipes warm and prevent water from freezing.
A Dripping Faucet During Colder Nights
You can allow the faucet to drip slightly if you’re afraid that a pipe might freeze. Most frozen pipes occur during overnight temperatures and allowing a dripping faucet can help to keep water moving. This will relieve the pressure in your system. The pressure between the blockage, the faucet and the pipe will cause it to burst. If both hot and cold water pipes are connected to the faucet, you can open the taps on both faucets or turn on a single handle faucet (such a kitchen faucet). It’s best to choose a faucet farther away from the water meter of your home.
Keep Interior Doors and Cabinets Open
Many pipes are found in cabinets. It is a good idea for pipes to be kept warm by opening cabinets when temperatures drop. To allow heat to flow throughout your home, you should keep interior doors open. Opening cabinet doors can also help you locate problems if there has been a frozen or burst pipe which can be leaking. Again, since temperatures usually drop during night it’s a good idea to open cabinets each night we are expected to have colder than normal temperatures.
Make Sure Cracks are Sealed
Seal any gaps where pipes run through walls and floors. Fill the gaps with caulk, spray foam insulation (such Great Stuff), or caulk. Seal the gaps on the exterior and interior sides of the wall. A cabinet compartment can become cold if it is exposed to cold outdoor air through gaps and holes. This is another reason why it is important to open cabinet doors in your kitchen and bathroom as well.
Insulate Pipes
Pipes located in areas without proper insulation (e.g. basements or attics) may require heating tape or extra insulation to prevent freezing. Not only are pipes in basements and attics not properly insulated, but so is the rest of the home. Extra insulation or heating tape may be the solution to your problem of pipes freezing in your home. Pipe insulation is rather inexpensive and easy to install and it can prevent a frozen and broken pipe in your home. It’s a simple home improvement project that can prevent a lot of damage if a water pipe bursts in your home.
Getting Help with Frozen Pipes
If you have a frozen pipe in your home it’s best to call a plumber to help. At A2 Plumbers in Ann Arbor Michigan they have master plumbers on staff and ready to help with your frozen pipes. Some frozen pipes can be thawed before they burst so it’s best not to wait. Call A2 Plumbers today at (734) 291-0258 for service.
