Prevent Winter Frost From Freezing Your Elkhart Home’s Pipes

Elkhart is partly cloudy all year round. During winter, those clouds often mean loads of snowfall and freezing temperatures. The snowfall tends to increase in January and February, spelling trouble for local homeowners. There is also the risk of Arctic air covering most of the U.S. in the heart of winter. This greatly increases the risk of frozen plumbing pipes.

Whether you stay home or visit elsewhere when the cold strikes, you should not leave your house unprepared. The water in your pipes may freeze when the temperature goes below freezing. This can lead to burst pipes, which means costly water damage.

You can prevent this from happening by winterizing your indoor and outdoor plumbing.

Prevent structural damage in your home this winter with an expert pipe inspection from Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling. Book a service and get a FREE plumbing service call. (Limited time offer).

When Do Pipes Freeze?

Water can freeze when the temperature reaches 32 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it’s more likely to freeze at 20 degrees. Insulation can make a big difference, though. If your pipes are insulated or extend through a warm part of your house, they may not freeze, even if it’s below freezing outside.

On the other hand, if pipes are exposed or they come into contact with a frigid draft, the water inside them can freeze even if the temperature is slightly above 32 degrees.

Either way, you do not want your pipes to freeze under any circumstances. Frozen pipes may burst, which could cause extensive water damage. It may even mean structural damage to your home.

How Do You Know Whether a Pipe Is Frozen?

Always keep an eye on your weather app. If the temperature drops to below 32 degrees, check your pipes. If there is no water flow or just a trickle when you open the faucet, a section of the pipe may be frozen.

You may also have a frozen pipe if there is visible frost on the exposed part or if a strange smell comes from the drain or faucet.

How Do You Thaw a Frozen Pipe?

Thawing a frozen pipe is possible, but you must carefully follow the right steps. The most important thing to do is shut off the main water supply. This will prevent excess water from flowing through the pipe, potentially increasing pressure.

Use a hair dryer or heating pad to warm the pipe slowly. If you do not have these options, soak some towels in hot water, wring them out, and wrap them around the pipe.

Heat tape or cable is another good option for safely thawing a pipe. But keep in mind that these DIY strategies do not always work.

If the pipe stays frozen, or you notice cracks or bulges in it, the safest thing to do is call a plumber.

How to Prevent Pipes From Freezing

Protecting your pipes from the cold is easier than getting a frozen or burst pipe fixed. It is also more cost-effective.

The following strategies will help protect your home’s plumbing and keep your money in your pocket.

• Add extra insulation to cold areas in your home. Improving your house’s insulation can help keep the indoor temperatures up. You can add insulation to exterior walls and pipes. Pipes in basements, crawl spaces, and attics can be sealed using insulation sleeves. If there are cracks, holes, and openings in the walls or ceiling, fix them promptly. This will help keep cold drafts out.
• Schedule regular plumbing maintenance. A reputable plumber can spot leaks and weak points in your home’s plumbing system. They can also fix or replace where necessary well before winter.
• Protect outdoor plumbing by disconnecting and draining water lines. These may include sprinkler systems and pool water lines. If you leave them out and connected, the remaining water may freeze and cause damage.
• Keep your thermostat set to 55°F or higher. Do not turn the heat off when you leave the house, even if you are away for an extended time. If there is not enough heat, it is more likely that the pipes will freeze.
• When it gets very cold, let the water drip from your faucets. It does not have to be a stream of water. Just let it drip enough to keep the water moving. This will make it harder for the water to freeze.

Frozen Pipes Are More Than Just an Annoyance

Frozen pipes can become a massive problem in your Elkhart home. If just one pipe bursts, you will have water flooding your house. If you wait too long to get the damage fixed, mold could grow in your home, leading to health issues. You will also have to fork out more money to get rid of the mold and get the damage repaired.

Taking proactive measures to keep pipes from freezing is the easiest way to prevent damage to your home. But you have to take these measures sooner rather than later. Putting them off may be too late to protect your plumbing system properly.

Fortunately, extreme winter cold and frost do not have to be daunting if you have an expert to call on.

Summers PHC Is Your Local Expert in Preventing Frozen Pipes

The Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling team can help prevent and fix frozen pipes. You no longer have to worry about properly winterizing your home, as Summers PHC can do it for you.

Book a maintenance or inspection today and pay less with our local specials. For more information, call 574-203-9147.