The wintertime can bring some challenging conditions for homeowners. The colder weather not only causes rising heat bills and snowy sidewalks to deal with, but it also brings the potential for maintenance issues that might not be on our radar.
One drawback to cooler temperatures is the possibility of freezing pipes in your house, which is common in locations with bitter-cold winters. Pipes can freeze when temperatures dip to 20 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, and this is more likely when exposed or not insulated.
However, now that you know this could happen, you can actively take steps to mitigate the chances (and evade any significant water damage from bursting pipes). We spoke with Mike Otranto, founder of Wake County Home Buyers in Garner, North Carolina, who shares some tips to prevent your pipes from freezing and protect your home from harsh weather conditions.
Insulate Your Pipes
One way to care for your home ahead of the drop in temperatures is to insulate your pipes. According to Otranto, who is a 15-year veteran in the real estate industry, this is a surefire way to protect your pipes from freezing before the cold weather creeps in.
Otranto also recommends visiting your local hardware store to purchase pipe insulation, which can simply be installed on your own without hiring a professional.
Keep Your Heater On
While it might be tempting to turn off your home’s heat if you’re going out of town, you could wind up with some serious repercussions. Leaving your heat on, even if you’re not home is best to avoid dealing with frozen pipes later on.
“Remember to leave your heater running during the seasons even when you’re not at home to prevent your pipes from freezing by setting the thermostat to a minimum of 55°F (12°C),” Otranto suggests.
Seal Cracks and Openings
Another detriment to your pipes is if they have cracks or openings in the outer casing, allowing cold air to come in direct contact with the water, and leading them to possibly freeze. Otranto recommends sealing off these imperfections to avert any issues during the colder months.
“Avoid your pipes from freezing by closing off any spaces or gaps in your home that might have let cold air in,” Otranto explains. He went on to say that it’s important to take care of any gaps around the doors and windows and fill any holes or cracks in the outer wall of the pipe.
The pipes might need to be replaced, and a professional should do that work if the pipes are beyond repair.
Let Faucets Drip
Usually, we refrain from permitting our faucets to drip because it typically signals that something is off with our pipes (and is a terribly annoying sound). However, Otranto says letting some water seep out can be beneficial in preventing your pipes from freezing.
“A good way to tell if it’s getting cold enough to cause problems is by watching the temperatures. When the temperature is below freezing, having the water moving slightly helps,” Otranto explains. “It also maintains some movement of water and reduces the pressure, which can help prevent pipes from bursting.”
Dealing with frozen pipes doesn’t have to be a regular occurrence every winter, especially if you take the proper precautions. Getting ahead of the colder months and securing your home using these tips would be a game-changer and lets you enjoy the winter season with ease.
