January in Illinois gets COLD! And when that cold hits, the pipes in your home run the risk of freezing. We have a few tips to help you protect your home from frozen pipes and water damage that they can cause.
The pipes in your home that are most at-risk for freezing are those in unheated spaces, like basements, exterior walls, attics, and garages. At times, pipes that run behind or through cabinets and exterior walls can freeze also. There are some simple things that you can do to help prevent a catastrophe in your home in these freezing temperatures.
Keep garage doors closed
Especially if any plumbing runs in those walls!
Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors
If your cabinets are on exterior walls, opening a cabinet door will allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing in your cabinets.
Let cold water trickle
Water running through a pipe, even at a trickle can prevent a pipe from freezing.
Keep the thermostat steady
During a cold snap, it’s best not to try to save a few dollars by turning your heat down at night.
Don’t turn your heat down when you go away
Don’t turn your heat below 55 degrees when you plan to be away so your pipes will have some heat.
Add insulation
If you notice pipes are in colder placed in your home, insulation can be added to help seal cracks, prevent drafts and keep your pipes a little warmer.
Have your pipes already frozen?
If you go to use your faucet and you’re only getting a trickle of water, chances are your pipes are frozen. Use care when de-thawing your pipes as the pipe can break and can flood your home once the ice thaws.
If you know you have a broken pipe, turn off your water at the main shutoff valve – this is usually where the water meter is located or where the main water line enters your home.
If you don’t believe you have a broken pipe, you can apply heat to the section of the pipe that is frozen with heat tape, a hairdryer or a portable space heater.
If you aren’t able to locate the area that is frozen or you’d like some advice on how to prevent freezing for occurring again, call Covenant Plumbing. Keeping your home warm, dry and comfortable is our priority!
You can reach us anytime by calling .
