Frozen Pipes No More!

In the cold winter months in Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley, you’re probably most concerned with keeping your family warm and comfortable. However, your home needs a little TLC too – to avoid serious damage from the cold. One of the most common problems homeowners face due to cold weather is frozen pipes. A frozen pipe can not only wreak havoc on your plumbing system but also cause water damage to your carpet, walls and even your home’s foundation. With better understanding, you can save you money and stress by avoiding frozen pipes.

Frozen Pipe Prevention is Key

Once your pipes have frozen, it may be too late to prevent a serious problem. Once the freezing occurs, it is best to immediately call an emergency plumber to determine the best course of action. In reality, prevention is the best.

Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes

• Drain Water from Unused Lines – Hoses and outdoor faucets should be drained prior to freezing weather. If there is no water in the pipes or hose it cannot freeze.
• Turn Off Outdoor Water – If you have an inside on/off spout to supply water to outdoor plumbing, turn it off when cold weather is coming. Doing this is a very simple way to keep the pipes most likely to freeze from freezing.
• Invest in Insulation – Consider having your insulation updated. During the installation process, make sure your pipes have additional protection from the elements. Pipe sleeves or “socks” may be a good option too. Insulation is quite affordable when compared to the costs associated with repairing and cleaning up after a frozen pipe.
• Keep Areas with Exposed Pipe Warm – Keep your kitchen and bathrooms warm, especially. In addition, if there is a water supply in your garage or laundry room, it may be worth spending a little extra to heat this space during the coldest part of the winter.
• Let Water Drip – If you have pipes that are exposed and still serviced, let a small trickle or drip flow through. This small amount of water moving through the pipe may be enough to keep it from freezing. This is a good option if you will be away from home and water would not otherwise be flowing through your pipes.

If you’d like more information about how to maintain your plumbing in winter and all year round, call us at KLEBS today. We are Anchorage’s choice for plumbing, HVAC, and other related home services.