3 Easy Ways To Prevent Pipe Freezing and Bursting
As one of the coldest winters in recent history lingers, our homes and properties including our plumbing become subject to exposure of harsh elements. Its these harsh elements and lack of maintenance that usually cause emergencies in our homes. This blog we will be addressing the issue of “freezing pipes” and what you can do to prevent this.
Freezing (and then bursting) pipes comes from water within the pipe freezing and then expanding inside the pipe, causing it to burst.
Like all emergencies, bursting of frozen pipes rarely come at a convenient time and is usually a disaster we find in the morning after the freezing nights in our robe and slippers, yes even before coffee. Freezing pipes not only cause headaches but usually result in property damage, loss of massive amounts of water (enough to fill a small pool in a day!) and if gone unnoticed mold and mildew creating uninhabitable situations.
Sow what to do?
The good news is there are a few different ways to help prevent freezing
1. Insulation of exposed piping:
Using wrapping on exposed piping can reduce the chance of your most exposed piping freezing and bursting. There are many types of wrapping that can be used from general pipe insulation (usually available at any hardware store) to more advanced “Thermacell Insluation.” Whatever you choose, make sure it is an insulating and DRY product. A towel may seem like a good idea to keep the pipe warm but when wet and freezes it will help burst the pipe. Our technicians at Cal Coast Plumbing cover this in their $78 “Whole House Tune-Up / Home and Health Check” if you wanted an on site assessment.
2. Backflow Prevention Devices:
Backflows are a common place for bursting to occur since they are usually very exposed to the elements. Backflow freeze protection bags are available for this exact situation and even here in California we suggest ALWAYS putting a backflow bag on a backflow new or used. The cost of a backflow bag, like piping insulation is nominal compared to the cost of replacing and entire cracked backflow. (Not to mention the stress and lack of water access during the replacement). We test, repair and maintain backflows year around.
3. Water Movement
Any water that can be moved makes freezing in your pipes that much less likely. So waking up to get a glass of water in the middle of the night can actually prevent a bit more than dehydration. Also flushing the toilet can do the same. Some people have had their hose bibs open just enough to get a drip every few seconds and this can help water move continually. We of course cannot advise this as a company that tries to help you conserve water (and can also create a small ice rink!) but it is a method people have successfully used to prevent freezing.
So those are a few different ways you can have a little piece of mind this winter and hopefully save money and time! Remember the main ideas are to protect exposed piping and to keep water moving as often as possible.
Be sure to check back for more tips on preventative maintenance as well as specials on our website and blog.
And remember all the suggestions covered here are covered in your
“Whole House Tune-Up / Safety and Health Check”! For $78 ($68 if you call before 10am)
you get your complete property check and tuned up (Normally $269) for only $68!
Hoping you Stay Warm and Safe this winter,
-Aaron Eddy
Cal Coast Plumbing Co.
925-462-1090
