How to keep your pipes from freezing this winter
January 16, 2024
| Cold temperatures can cause indoor pipes to freeze. Water has a unique property that expands as it freezes. When water inside pipes freeze, pressure is created, which can cause pipes to burst. Frozen or burst pipes can lead to flooding and significant damage inside homes. The best prevention is keeping pipes warm enough that they stay above the freezing point. To ensure your pipes don’t freeze, follow these easy tips: Keep the heat on. If you are planning on leaving your home for an extended period of time, make sure to leave the heat on. The heat does not have to be kept as high as you would keep it if you were home, but setting it above 50 degrees should prevent any water inside the pipes from freezing. Allow the faucet to drip. Allowing a faucet to drip helps in two ways. First, it prevents pressure from building up inside the system. Second, it creates a constant flow of water through the pipes that makes freezing much less likely. If a faucet is served by both hot and cold-water pipes, open both taps slightly. Set single-handle faucets to warm. Keep interior doors open. When the temperature drops outside, it’s a good idea to keep cabinet and vanity doors open so heat from your house can reach pipes under sinks. It’s also ideal to keep all interior doors open so heat can better flow throughout your home. Seal cracks and holes. Seal gaps where pipes run through walls or floors, especially when cold air is getting inside. Where possible, seal holes both inside and outside. Insulate exposed pipes. Pipes that run through areas that do not have proper insulation, such as unfinished basements and attics, may need extra attention to keep from freezing. Homeowners can use foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves to decrease the chances of pipes freezing. Additional insulation can be added to walls and ceilings to keep pipes warm. If you turn on the faucet and nothing comes out, leave the faucets turned on and call a plumber. If your water pipes have already burst, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve in your house, leave water faucets turned on and call a plumber. For more information, contact the Southfield Department of Public Works at (248) 796-4860. |
