5 Tips to Winterize Plumbing Pipes You Need to Know

As the mercury drops, plumbing pipes begin to freeze. In some cases, the pipes may burst to cause leaks & breaks.

Plumbing leaks and breaks cause water damage to your property. In order to avoid such a problem, we have discussed 5 tips to winterize plumbing pipes.

Let’s explore them one by one -

1. Insulate crawl space

Crawl spaces should be sealed during the cold weather. Use heavy-duty cardboard pieces to cover the vents and ducting tapes to seal any opening.

In the case of basements, look for cracked windows that allow the entry of cold air. Examine garage and utility doors for worn insulation.

2. Keep the cabinets open

Freezing pipes can be prevented by introducing more heat. For sink based pipes, keep all the cabinets open to access more heat.

3. Insulate pipes

Pipes tend to burst at a temperature below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Thus, insulating pipes will be your first step to prevent freezing and bursting.

Ensure insulating pipes in the unheated areas. You can also wrap pipes in heat tapes for extra protection.

4. Dripping faucet

If the temperature drops below the freezing point, turn on all the faucets for constant dripping. This action removes pressure between the faucet and ice blockage.

5. Seal exterior cracks

Look for cracks or holes outside the walls and foundation.

Fill the cracks and holes using spray foam and a caulking gun. This action will cease the entry of cold air into the house.