How to prevent burst pipes

1/7/2019 (Permalink)

how to prevent burst pipes

Freezing temperatures can be the most common culprit of burst pipes. Since water expands when frozen, it can cause the pressure inside the pipe to increase until it bursts. That being said, there are a few preventive measures you can take before cold weather overwhelms your plumbing system, causing a pipe to burst in your home:

• If you have a sprinkler system and/or swimming pool, drain it per the manufacturer's or installer's instructions.
• After removing and storing your garden hoses in the garage, turn off the water valves to outdoor faucets. Keep the outside valve open, however, in order to let any remaining water escape. This also allows water sitting in the pipe to freeze and expand without busting it open.
• Check for any exposed pipes in unheated areas of your house — like your basement, attic, garage, crawl space, and under bathroom and kitchen sinks. Insulate both hot and cold water pipes with pipe sleeves or heat tape, which you can find at a hardware store.
• Try to keep your garage door closed as much as possible if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• If you go on vacation during the winter months, leave your heater on, set to 55 degrees at minimum.