When temperatures start to drop, it’s not long before snow and ice follow. While snow can be beautiful, it can also lead to frozen pipes. Pipes that freeze are vulnerable to cracking or bursting, which can cause expensive damage and require Philadelphia frozen pipe repair. Luckily, there are steps you can take to protect your plumbing. Our plumbing experts at Goodman Plumbing explain how you can prevent frozen pipes this winter.
Why are frozen pipes dangerous?
When water expands as it freezes in a pipe, the pressure creates stress on the surrounding pipes. As temperatures outside drop, these pipes are at an even higher risk of freezing. When pipes freeze, they can burst and cause flooding throughout your home. This is why it’s important to take proactive steps to prevent frozen pipes before temperatures start to dip.
How can I keep my pipes from freezing?
Keep Your Thermostat Settings Consistent
The best way to protect your pipes from freezing is to keep your home warm. This means keeping the thermostat set to a consistent temperature, even if you’re away for an extended period of time or sleeping. You do not have to set your thermostat extremely high – this could waste energy and drive up your heating bills – but it is a good idea to keep your home above 55°F at all times.
Be Sure Your Home is Insulated
It’s also important to make sure that your windows are properly sealed and insulated. Drafty windows can cause cold air to enter and lower temperatures in the home, which could lead to frozen pipes. It may be necessary to add additional weather stripping or caulk around drafty window frames.
Keep Garage Doors Closed
Some homes have water supply lines located in their garages. Most garages are not heated during the winter, so it’s important to keep the garage door closed. This will help to trap warm air inside and prevent cold air from entering and freezing your pipes.
Open Cabinet Doors
If you have kitchen or bathroom cabinets containing pipes, it’s a good idea to open the cabinet doors. This will allow warm air to enter and circulate around the pipes. Additionally, if you have any exposed pipes in your basement or crawl spaces, consider insulating them with foam pipe insulation or wrapping them with electrical heating tape.
What can I do if my pipes freeze?
If you have already taken preventative measures and find that your pipes are frozen, contact one of our professional plumbers right away. A plumbing expert will be able to determine the best solution for thawing out your pipes without causing any damage or flooding. Our team at Goodman Plumbing is available for emergency plumbing service 24/7, so you can rest assured that your pipes will be fixed quickly and safely.
Contact Us For Philadelphia Frozen Pipe Repair Today
For more information about Philadelphia frozen pipe repair, call Goodman Plumbing today. Our experienced technicians are here to help you protect your home from the cold winter temperatures. We can provide additional tips on preventing frozen pipes and offer emergency service if you find yourself in need of repairs.
