Winter isn’t just about enjoying hot chocolate, soups, and warm, delicious mac n' cheese. It also brings its own set of challenges, such as dry skin, runny noses from the flu, and, most notably, frozen pipes.
So, how can you embrace winter while preventing the hassle of frozen pipes? This way, you can relax under your cozy blanket with a mug of coffee or travel with your family on a winter getaway.
Here, all your questions are answered.
5 Best Ways to Keep Pipes from Freezing
As temperatures begin to drop, it's important to take preventative actions to keep your pipes from freezing. If you haven't already taken these precautions, you might notice the first sign of freezing pipes when you experience reduced water flow at your faucets—this indicates that ice is forming inside the pipes.
To help winterise your pipes and prevent them from freezing, here are some steps you can follow:
1. Protect Outdoor Faucets and Disconnect Garden Hoses
Make sure to close and drain any outdoor faucets. Using faucet covers during winter months offers added protection. Also, disconnect garden hoses and shut off the water supply to any outdoor faucets to prevent freezing in those pipes.
2. Let Your Faucets Drip to Prevent Frozen Pipes
For any faucets connected to exposed pipes, letting a small trickle of cold water run can help keep your pipes from getting frozen. The continuous flow of water, even at a slow drip, keeps the pipes from freezing up.
3. Keep Your Garage Door Closed to Protect Uninsulated Water Pipes
If you have any water supply lines in an unheated garage, it's a good idea to keep the garage door closed as much as possible. This simple step helps maintain heat inside your home and can also prevent your heating bills from soaring.
4. Seal Any Cracks to Block Cold Air
Inspect your home and seal any cracks or gaps that could let cold air in. Pay extra attention to areas where pipes run from the inside to the outside of your home. Caulking these areas helps keep the cold out and the warmth in.
5. Maintain a Consistent Thermostat Setting
Keep your thermostat set to a steady, comfortable temperature day and night. When temperatures drop, your pipes are more susceptible to freezing. If you're heading out for an extended period, make sure the house temperature stays at least 55°F to keep your pipes safe.
Top 3 Actions to Take for Avoiding Frozen Pipes When “You’re Not Home”
If you're heading out for an extended winter getaway, you can take a few actions to protect your home from frozen pipes.
Here are some important measures to consider before you leave:
1. Arrange for Regular Checks
Ask a trusted friend, neighbour, or property manager to periodically check your home. They can confirm that the heating system is working properly and that the indoor temperature remains warm enough to prevent pipe freezing.
2. Adjust the Thermostat
Keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F. Make sure to replace the batteries in your thermostat to ensure it continues to function correctly while you're away. This consistent temperature helps prevent the risk of pipes freezing.
3. Shut Off and Drain the Water Supply
Turn off the main water supply to your home and drain the water system. Be aware that shutting off the water might deactivate your sprinkler system and fire protection, so make any necessary arrangements to address these systems before you leave.
6 Tips for Pipe Protection from Freezing
1. Drain Water from Pool and Sprinkler Supply Lines
Before cold weather hits, follow the manufacturer’s or installer’s directions to drain water from the swimming pool and sprinkler supply lines. Avoid using antifreeze in these lines as it can be dangerous to the atmosphere and to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping.
2. Remove and Store Outdoor Hoses
Disconnect, drain, and store any outdoor hoses. Turn off the indoor valves that provide water to outdoor faucets, and then open the outdoor faucets to let any excess water drain out. Keeping the outside valve open helps prevent water remaining in the pipe from expanding and causing a break.
3. Insulate Attics, Basements, and Crawl Spaces
Add insulation to areas like attics, basements, and crawl spaces to maintain higher temperatures. Proper insulation helps keep these spaces warmer and reduces the risk of frozen pipes.
4. Check for Unheated Areas with Water Supply Lines
Inspect your home for water supply lines in unheated areas such as garages, under kitchen cabinets, and bathroom cabinets. Insulate both hot and cold water pipes in these areas to protect them from freezing temperatures.
5. Install Pipe Insulation Products
Consider using specific insulation products like pipe sleeves or UL-listed heat tape and heat cables on exposed water pipes. As an alternative, newspapers can offer some insulation—just ¼ inch of newspaper can help in significant protection in areas where temperatures rarely go below freezing.
6. Relocate Exposed Pipes
If possible, consider relocating exposed pipes to areas with more protection from freezing conditions. This can help reduce the risk of pipes freezing and bursting.
Which Pipes Are Best for Cold Weather?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to the question of which pipes are best for cold weather. The decision at the end depends on your what you like and what you need.
However, we’ve outlined several options that may help reduce the risk of frozen pipes.
1. PEX Pipes
PEX, or cross-linked polyethylene, is a more flexible material compared to copper and PVC. Although it tends to be more expensive, it’s great at preventing leaks. However, PEX can be damaged by direct sunlight and very cold temperatures, so it’s important to protect it properly.
2. Copper Pipes
Copper pipes are well-known for their strength and resistance to rust. They’ve been a standard choice for a long time. However, copper pipes can lose heat quickly, which makes them more likely to freeze in very cold temperatures.
3. PVC Pipes
PVC pipes are composed of polyvinyl chloride. They are often used as a cheaper alternative to copper pipes. PVC does a good job of keeping water warm inside the pipes, but it can become brittle and crack in very cold weather.
Choose the Best Plumbing Options
Now that we’ve addressed most of your concerns about frozen pipes, it’s essential to follow all the tips and tricks to protect your pipes from the cold this winter. While selecting the right type of pipe is crucial, choosing top-notch plumbing services is equally important.
When searching for the best plumbers in Sydney, be sure to include JCON PLUMBING on your list. JCON PLUMBING is one of Sydney's most trusted and highly recommended plumbing service providers.
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