Even though Birmingham experiences a much milder winter compared to much of the US, our residents are still at risk of having their pipes freeze in the winter. On the few extremely cold days of the year, when temperatures drop below 20 degrees, water pipes freeze and can end up bursting. Burst pipes can cause thousands of dollars in water damage, so it is best to follow these tips to keep your pipes flowing smoothly.
How to Keep Pipes From Freezing
- Keep the Garage Door Closed – Many homes have water supply lines that run through the garage. When the temperatures begin falling, it is best to keep your garage door closed and insulated at all times.
- Running Cold Water – Choose a faucet or tap that is supplied by exposed pipes somewhere in your home. If you have this faucet drip water throughout the winter, the water flow will prevent frozen pipes from occurring.
- Thermostat Control – Maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the days and nights will ensure that your pipes in unheated areas never risk freezing. If you are taking a trip for an extended period, it is best to keep a constant temperature above 55 degrees so that you don’t have to melt ice with a hair dryer when you return.
- Opening Cabinet Doors – Allowing warm air to circulate your pipes is another effective method of protecting your pipes. Just be sure to remove any hazardous cleaning materials from underneath sinks so that children and pets do not have access to them.
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If you ever have issues with your pipe insulation or water damage from a leak, then do not hesitate to contact the professional plumbers at Wilbur’s.
