How to Protect Your Pipes

12/3/2021 (Permalink)

Follow these steps so that your pipes do not end up looking like the ones above.

12/3/2021 

While cooler weather may be scarce here in lower Alabama, it does not mean we are in the clear for winter weather mishaps. If you are anything like a lot of people in our area, you are under the impression that since our temperatures do not drop very low that your pipes will not freeze. Unfortunately, that ideology is far from true. If you do not know what happens when pipes freeze, you can click here to check out this article from Live Science. Spoiler alert though, the pipes will burst and that is exactly what you do not want to happen. A burst pipe can cause various issues of water damage in your home. While SERVPRO of Mobile County can help with water damage and restoration, we want to help you avoid it at all costs.  

An article from State Farm discusses that there are three central causes as to why pipes freeze. You can view that article here.  

Causes of Pipes Freezing  

1. Quick Drop in Temperature 

1. Thermostat Set Too Low 

1. Poor Insulation 

In order to avoid a pipe or pipes bursting, there are a few things that homeowners can do to protect their pipes. The most common tip people typically try is the first option listed below. Having a flow of warm or cold water will help the pipes to not freeze. This option is a solid one, but there are other avenues to explore as well that are listed below: 

Ways to Protect Your Pipes from Freezing 

1. Let Cold or Hot Water Steadily Drip  

• Preferably from a faucet on an outside wall. Doing this when the temperature drops will prevent pipes from freezing. 

1. Seal Leaks 

• You may find air leaks around dryer vents and pipes, or around electrical wiring. Search and locate any leaks that will allow cold air to get in. Once located, seal the leaks diligently with either caulk or insulation. 

1. Open Cabinet Doors 

• This simple concept can have a bigger impact than you may realize. Opening the cabinet doors allows heat to get to un-insulated pipes that may be under sinks or near appliances located near exterior walls.  

1. Insulate Pipes 

• This is an especially ideal option because it is great for homeowners to do that live in areas that are uncommon for freezing temperatures to happen. 

1.  Adjust the Thermostat 

• Consistency throughout the day and night is key for reducing the likelihood of your pipes freezing. This is the opportunity for the ‘thermostat police’ to put a lockbox on it with the rule to not touch the thermostat. This is their free pass!  

Hopefully you will consider implementing these tips in your own home. It will surely help the odds to be in your favor. If you are the type of person who prefers a visual example on exactly what to do, check out this video on how to prevent frozen pipes.  

If you do, however, find yourself in the event that your pipes do freeze, and they do unfortunately burst, we are here to help. When and if that were to happen, that is when you call us, SERVPRO of Mobile County at 251-343-0534. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is our hope that in this type of instance, you will not need our services. However, if you find yourself in the situation that you do need us, you know where to find us.