Frozen pipes are a common issue in Colorado due to the extremely cold winters we experience at times. If a pipe freezes, you won’t be able to use whichever fixture it supplies water to until it thaws out. The much bigger issue is that a frozen pipe can burst, resulting in severe flooding and extensive water damage. Luckily, you can usually prevent your plumbing from freezing by taking a few simple steps.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Many of the pipes inside a house are within insulated walls and ceilings. They have little chance of freezing as long as the heating system is working. However, most homes also have at least a few exposed pipes that supply bathroom and kitchen fixtures. These might be in the crawl space or along the foundation walls in the basement.
The air inside a crawl space can be extremely cold during the winter. As a result, pipes can quickly freeze if they’re not fully encased in foam pipe insulation. The areas right next to a foundation wall in the basement can also get cold enough for uninsulated pipes to freeze. Sinks located on an exterior wall also pose a threat. You should insulate the exposed portion of the pipe that protrudes from the wall to prevent it from freezing.
Check for and Seal Air Leaks
Air can seep in through gaps and cracks and increase the chances of your pipes freezing. Seal up any spaces in your basement or crawl space where you can feel cold air coming in or see light shining through. You can fill the hole with insulation or seal it with a caulking gun. Closing or sealing off vents in the crawl space is also important for preventing it from getting extremely cold.
Let Your Faucets and Showers Drip
When the forecast indicates that the temperature will be 20 degrees or lower, slightly open some faucets and showerheads. The movement from the slow, steady drip helps prevent the water from freezing. You don’t need to leave all your plumbing fixtures dripping; only the ones along exterior walls, which have a much higher chance of freezing. Letting the water run is especially beneficial at night because temperatures drop even more, and most people have their heating turned down.
Open Cabinet Doors
Along with letting faucets on exterior walls drip when colder temperatures are predicted, you should also open the doors to the cabinets underneath them. This allows warm air to enter the cabinet, preventing the space from becoming too cold.
Keep Your Thermostat Set to 55 Degrees or Higher
While it can be tempting to turn your heating down significantly when you’re away or asleep to save on energy costs, you should never turn it down too much. Certain parts of a house will always be colder in winter than what the thermostat shows. Setting the thermostat lower than 55 degrees greatly increases the chances of exposed pipes in the basement and pipes within exterior walls freezing.
Fully Winterize Your Plumbing Before Going Away
If you’re a snowbird who leaves for the winter or will be away for more than a few days, we recommend fully winterizing all your plumbing. It is possible to do this yourself, but you can also rely on our professional plumbers for help. The first step is to shut off the water by closing the valve on your main water line. You then want to open the taps and flush all your toilets until they’re empty. This will drain the water out of your pipes.
For multi-story homes, the easiest way to drain your pipes is to open a few fixtures on the lowest level and another fixture on the top level. If you have a single-level home, you can simply open the fixture closest to where the main water line enters the house. Once everything is drained, the last step is to pour a small amount of antifreeze down all drains. However, only use non-toxic, RV-specific or propylene-glycol-based antifreeze, not anti-freeze intended for vehicles.
The expert plumbers at Build Craft are standing by if you need help winterizing your plumbing. We’re also available if you have any issues that require repairs. We have over 25 years of experience serving homeowners in Colorado Springs. Our dedication to performing quality work keeps our customers satisfied. To schedule an on-site consultation and get a free estimate for your plumbing or handyman repair, contact us today.
