What You Can Do to Keep Pipes from Freezing

Before the winter freezes begin, you must ensure your pipes will not freeze and cause you severe water damage cleanup in Portland. When a pipe freezes , and subsequently floods the surrounding area, you could be looking at unneeded stress and water damage restoration. Continue reading to learn how to keep your pipes from freezing this winter.

Protect Exterior Pipes

If outside hoses and spigots are not protected against the coming weather, then you could see significant water damage cleanup inside and outside your home. Frozen garden hoses can burst more than just the hose; the frozen water expands and causes pressure to increase throughout your property’s entire plumbing system. Once your summer and fall gardening has ended or decreased, it is best to disconnect the garden hose to prevent potential freezing.

Protect Exposed Interior Pipes

Any exposed pipes are likely near your furnace or water heater, so they are probably safe from freezing. However, some exposed pipes in your attic, crawlspace, or garage may be at risk. There are two types of pipe insulation you can use. For moderate winters, foam pipe insulation should work just fine. For severe freezes and cold weather, use controlled heat tape.

Add More Insulation

It never hurts to add more insulation to your walls, attic, basement, and crawlspace. However, if you have had frozen pipes in the past, then you should definitely add more insulation. Signs of past frozen pipes—water stains and mold buildup are the most common—could mean that you have poor or improperly installed insulation in your walls or ceiling. Adding more insulation is an inexpensive measure compared to water damage restoration following a burst pipe.

Winterize Vacation Homes

If you are leaving your summer home for the winter, then you must winterize it for the coming winter months. Water may still be running through the pipes, and you could come home in the spring to a house flood and severe water damage throughout the house. Set the furnace to 55° or higher, and shut off the main water supply before draining the entire system.