How to Prevent Frozen Pipes During the Winter

Frozen pipes can burst and cause expensive damage. Fortunately, there are several ways you can prevent your pipes from freezing during the winter with only a few pieces of equipment . Follow these tips to make sure your pipes stay in good working condition all year long.

Protect Them from Cold

The simplest way to prevent your pipes from freezing is to protect them from exposure to low temperatures . It helps if pipes are not installed in attics, crawl spaces, or other spaces that do not receive heat. For pipes that have already been installed in these areas, you can protect them with insulation. If you notice any cracks in the walls near pipes, these cracks should be filled in and sealed immediately to prevent heat from being transferred from the pipes.

Improve Circulation

If any of your pipes are located inside cabinets, as is common in kitchens and bathrooms, the cabinet doors should be left open. These doors prevent the warm air inside your house from reaching the pipes, which can contribute to freezing. In addition to leaving the doors open, you can line the pipes with electric heating equipment. Some of these tools even have thermostats so the device can monitor its own heat.

Run the Water

Pipes burst in the winter because of the pressure created when water freezes inside them. You can reduce this pressure by opening faucets and letting your water run. It is a good idea to keep the water running at a slow trickle, as this keeps the waste to a minimum. Also note that both your hot and water lines should be open, since neither is immune to freezing.

If you would like to learn more about how to prevent frozen pipes during the winter, call A Tool Shed at (831) 359-4769. We are happy to meet northern California’s needs when it comes to the sale and rental of new and used equipment. Visit our website or stop by one of our six locations today.