How Can You Prevent Frozen Pipes this Winter?

It seems like at this time of year just about everything is turning cold - but just because the temperatures outside are dropping, that doesn’t mean that the temperature in your home has to do the same!

Did you know that the pipes in your home can freeze when the weather outside turns frightful? And when your pipes are frozen, that can mean a number of things for you as a homeowner, and none of them are ideal! Not only is it possible for your home to be left without water for a lengthy period of time but on top of that, your pipes can burst. Burst pipes mean nothing but a lot of hassle and expensive property damage for your home. Here are the preventative steps you can take preventative steps to make sure your pipes remain in the best of shape during these winter months and beyond.

Know the Facts

Why do some frozen pipes burst and others do not?

Pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to severe cold such as outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets.

Inspect Your Pipes to See Their Current Condition

Do you know what a frozen pipe looks like? If a water line is coated in frost or is bulging out, that is a good indication that that pipe froze. Sometimes, not all plumbing pipes are visible. In that case, pay attention to the flow of water in your home’s faucets and toilets. If these aren’t functioning properly, that is also a good indication of a frozen pipe.

Take Preventative Action

There are a number of ways that you can take steps this winter season to prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting. We recommend you drain water from swimming pools and other supply lines, remove outdoor hoses and store them, keep your garage door closed (especially if the water supply is in the garage) and allow warmer air to circulate in the kitchen and bathroom cabinets by occasionally leaving them open.

JTM Plumbing is your resource for all of your plumbing needs this winter. Feel free to explore our website or give us a call for your questions regarding how you can prevent frozen pipes! We can be reached at (402) 203-6193!