Tips on how to prevent your pipes from freezing

11/5/2021 (Permalink)

By keeping the faucet slightly running you prevent the chance of pressure building up in the pipe.

Last year we all witnessed the extreme cases of pipes freezing in a place you’d never expect, Texas. As we wrap up our warm Iowa months we want to take some time and remind our clients of the steps to take to avoid having their pipes freeze. 

Tip 1: Keep the Heat On

One of the easiest ways to avoid having your pipes freeze and burst is to leave the heat on even when you’re not home. When not home it’s okay if you don’t keep the thermostat at the normal temperature that you usually keep it at. In fact, by keeping it set at 50 F or above, you’ll ensure the pipes will stay warm and the chances of them freezing is far less. Some residents will turn their heat off when they’re not home in an attempt to save money on the utility bill.  Keep in mind, when a pipe bursts, the cost of the water damage will be far more than a utility bill.  

Tip 2: Let the Faucet Drip

When you leave the faucet on just enough to keep it slightly dripping,  you’re decreasing your chance of having your pipes burst. This happens when pressure is created between the frozen blockage and the faucet. By keeping the faucet dripping you are allowing the constraint to relieve itself which will prevent any buildup of pressure. Keep the faucet turned towards the hotter side to ensure that it will keep the drain pipes warm. Be conscious of drain traps and keep that constant flow of water so that the drain line doesn’t freeze as well.