Posted on: December 13, 2021
Avoiding Frozen Pipes and Drains this Winter
Winter is upon us and it’s the one time of the year when you don’t want anything to go wrong. It’s a harsh season because the weather is unpredictable, and if there are issues with drains or pipes, you could be left without heating.
It’s just not an ideal situation, regardless of how severe the problem gets. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to avoid your pipes or drains from freezing over.
What can you do to avoid a frozen pipe?
Switch off the Water
While this might not apply to you directly, it’s a smart solution when you have a holiday home. Depending on where the home is located, it may be best to switch off the water supply for the winter if you aren’t going to be there.
It also works the same if you’re going away over the winter months. Switching off the water helps to prevent your pipes from freezing over and causing your drain to overflow.
Of course, it might not solve the problem entirely, but could certainly help.
Set Your Heating System to Warm Up the Pipes
When there is zero heat going through the pipes, they are more likely to freeze and burst.
So, it is crucial to have sufficient warmth flowing into the pipes. Use your heating system to help keep the pipes warm; you can set your system to have the heating on for a few hours at a time.
Remember, you don’t have to keep your heating on all day long, even a short period would help.
Insulate the Pipes
There are areas within the home that do not have an adequate supply of heat, such as the lofts, attics, and basements. The pipes within these areas are at greater risk of freezing over simply because the temperatures are colder there.
It might be a good idea to look at insulating the pipes with fiberglass or foam rubber sleeves. This gives the pipes some added warmth and might prevent them from freezing over.
Act Before Winter Sets In
Frozen pipes and drains are common occurrences during the winter months. For most homes, it’s an issue they can avoid, just by taking simple steps. For instance, get proper insulating for the pipes or leave a tape dripping to prevent any freezing.
Sometimes, dealing with minor leaky faucets can help prevent further drainage issues during the winter months too.
There are lots of ways to prevent a pipe from freezing; however, it’s also a matter of routine maintenance to stop minor issues becoming major headaches.
Save Your Pipes
Winters, depending on where you live, are tough. They can have brutal weather systems and just batter you with cold temperatures. This, however, gives ample opportunity for pipes to freeze and cause drainage issues.
While you might be lucky enough to prevent these problems before they take hold, many aren’t. Knowing how to maintain your pipes and drains may help prevent your pipes from freezing in the winter.
Of course, it does help when there is sufficient heat getting to the pipes to prevent the water from freezing.
