How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

6 Tips For Preventing Frozen Pipes In Your SW Oklahoma Home

Prevention Is Key To Avoid A Headache Later

Frozen pipes in your SW Oklahoma home can be a recipe for disaster. When a pipe freezes, there is a high probability that the pipe will burst, resulting in significant water damage to your home.

A burst pipe is one of the worst repairs to make and the most expensive. But we have good news for SW Oklahoma homeowners; there are a few easy steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of your pipes freezing this winter.

From preventative maintenance to proactive initiatives, here are a few tips on how to prevent frozen pipes in your SW Oklahoma home.

1. Insulation Is Your Best Friend

Believe it or not, adequate insulation in your walls is one of the most critical components of protecting your pipes. Insulation helps protect the water line throughout the entire year, but especially during winter— it can safeguard your pipes from the cold.

Your home should have adequate insulation throughout the walls, the attic, or the basement to ensure that freezing temperatures from outside are not affecting your indoor plumbing. However, some go a step further and insulate their water pipes for added protection.

Consult with a trusted local partner to craft a plan for your insulation. Choosing a company with local knowledge and experience can make all the difference for the protection of your home.

2. Let The Faucets Drip

The idea of letting your faucet drip may seem counterintuitive. After all, when you have leaky faucets, you want them fixed as soon as possible.

However, letting your faucets drip when there is a chance of your pipes freezing can reduce the threat.

Moving water is less likely to freeze, so the slow drip of the water flowing through the pipes will render it more resilient to the cold.

3. Open The Cabinets

Another easy and practical step you can take to protect your pipes is opening your cabinets.

Opening up the cabinets allows the heat in your home to reach the pipes more easily. A closed cabinet door will block the warm air while allowing the cold air to continuously circle around your pipes – increasing the chance of the pipes freezing.

Create a short checklist and keep it handy during the winter months – this will ensure you’re staying on top of checking the cabinets throughout your home.

4. Ensure Your Garage Door Is Shut

Leaving your garage door open during summer, spring, and fall is fine. However, many garages in SW Oklahoma homes have water lines inside – which means you must protect them from the cold.

When winter’s frigid temperatures arrive, ensure you and your family keep your home’s garage door closed – especially at night. Opening and closing for brief periods is fine, but avoid leaving your door open for extended hours when the outside weather is cold.

Keeping the garage closed can also help your entire house to stay warmer, which is added protection to avoid frozen water pipes.

5. Keep The Interior Temperature Steady

Most people will heat their homes when a cold snap approaches, so this is often a tip that not everyone can use.

However, for those who leave their home during the winter, or plan to be out of town when a cold front hits, it’s crucial to ensure you leave the thermostat at 55 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

A thermostat set at 55 degrees will keep your home warm enough to allow your pipes to avoid freezing.

6. Seal Any Cracks

Take the time to look around your property for cracks in your home that could let in cold air. Seal these cracks with insulation or caulking to prevent the cold air from entering your home.

Not only will it help to keep your water pipes safe, but it can help to make your home feel warmer.

What Happens When Pipes Freeze?

If your pipes freeze despite taking precautions to prevent it from happening, you may need a professional plumber. When the water in the pipes freezes, it can cause the PVC to crack. Cracks will mean that water will just run out of these pipes when it is not frozen.

So, how do you thaw these pipes out? It depends on whether you believe there will be a crack in the water pipe. However, here are some methods that many people use:

• For water pipes that can be seen, such as under a sink, placing a small space heater in the area can generate enough heat to thaw the ice.
• Many people take towels that have been heated and lay these over the pipes. It is a slower method of unfreezing the lines, but thanks to the slowness, you are more likely to notice a leak sooner.
• Take a hairdryer and focus on the pipes to unfreeze these with the heat.

What if a crack is seen in the lines? Then it is time to call professional plumbers to fix this.
Despite what most people may think when a water line leaks, it is going to require replacing the particular section of the line that is leaking. There is no patch you can put on the damaged area to prevent the leak.

When frozen pipes are the issue for the crack, you must check the rest of the water lines to ensure no other leaks have occurred. Remember, leaks that go unnoticed can cause massive issues, including:

• Mold and mildew setting up in the home
• Increased water bills
• Less water pressure in your home
• More pests that are attracted to the dampness

It is vital to fix any leak once it is found to avoid future trouble.

Get Your Free Quote If Your SW Oklahoma Home Suffers From Frozen Pipes

If you are worried about the water pipes in your SW Oklahoma home, now is the time to act. Whether you want your existing water pipes inspected to double check they are ready for colder weather and will not freeze, or you are afraid that freezing has occurred and leaks are happening, we are here for you.

We offer a free quote for the work you may need to do so you can be fully aware of what to expect. Contact Robinson Air or call us today at 580-699-5760 to get started!