Surviving a Chicago Winter

2/20/2024 (Permalink)

Winterizing Your Home to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Frigid temperatures are upon us, underscoring the importance of preparing your home for the cold to prevent the inconvenience and potential damage caused by frozen pipes. When pipes freeze, it can lead to burst pipes, water damage, and costly repairs. Here are some helpful tips to winterize your home and protect your plumbing system:

Insulate Exposed Pipes One of the most effective ways to prevent pipes from freezing is to insulate them. Use pipe insulation sleeves or wrapping material to cover exposed pipes in unheated areas such as the basement, crawl spaces, and attics.

Seal Leaks and Gaps Inspect your home for any gaps or cracks that could allow cold air to enter and affect your pipes. Seal these openings with caulk or insulation to prevent drafts, paying special attention to areas where pipes enter your home.

Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses Before the winter freeze sets in, disconnect all outdoor hoses and drain the water from them to prevent back pressure in the pipes inside your home. Store hoses in a dry place to prolong their lifespan.

Locate and Shut Off External Water Sources Turn off the water supply and drain the pipes if you have external water sources, such as sprinkler systems, to prevent water from freezing and causing damage to the system.

Keep Interior Temperatures Consistent Maintain a consistent temperature inside your home, especially during extremely cold nights, to prevent pipes from freezing. Set your thermostat to a temperature that will keep the interior warm enough.

Let Faucets Drip On exceptionally cold nights, allow faucets to drip slowly to prevent freezing by relieving pressure in the pipes, focusing on faucets located along exterior walls and those in colder areas of your home.

Use Heat Tape Consider using heat tape on vulnerable pipes for added protection, as it provides a constant source of low-level heat to prevent freezing. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper installation.

Open Cabinet Doors In kitchens and bathrooms, open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around pipes located under sinks, especially those along exterior walls, which are more susceptible to freezing.

Taking proactive steps to winterize your home can save you from the hassle and expense of dealing with frozen pipes. By insulating, sealing gaps, disconnecting outdoor hoses, shutting off external water sources, maintaining consistent interior temperatures, letting faucets drip, using heat tape, and opening cabinet doors, you'll be well-prepared to face the winter months without the worry of plumbing issues. Stay warm, stay dry, and enjoy a worry-free winter in your well-protected home.

For water damage assistance, contact SERVPRO of Elmhurst at (630) 758-1701 or visit their website at SERVPROelmhurst.com for more information.