Does your residential or commercial building suffer from frozen pipes caused by cold weather and moisture? This is an issue faced by many New York residents each and every year. Repairing the damages is a costly and stressful process. Luckily, you can take steps to ensure your lines stay clear all winter long. Here are three helpful tips for preventing frozen pipes.
The Classic Cold Water Drip
It’s an age-old tip, but leaving a faucet running, or rather, dripping, at all hours helps prevent pipes from freezing. Now, not all faucets require this type of attention. You should only use this practice with faucets connected to exposed pipes. One to two faucets are typically enough for small homes, although additional ones should be left running for larger, commercial settings. Why does this method work? The truth is actually very scientific. The energy produced from dripping causes friction within pipes, directly creating heat that helps thaw ice. It also helps alleviate pressure builds, typically found in cold pipes.
Keep All (Interior) Doors Open
An easy way to ensure your pipes stay functional despite cold weather is by providing consistent air flow and temperatures throughout the building. This method is a more cost-effective option compared to leaving the heat on 24 hours a day. To achieve consistent temperatures throughout your home or commercial building, keep every interior door open as often as possible. This doesn’t just mean your typical enter and exit doors – cabinets with pipes inside should also be left open. Doing so isn’t a guarantee that your pipes stay thawed throughout the winter, but it significantly reduces the chances.
When in Doubt, Insulate
Perhaps the simplest way to keep pipes protected during colder months is by using insulation. Insulating pipes is affordable and easy to do – simply identify potential problem areas and apply fiberglass, foam, or polyethylene insulation. These forms of insulation are highly effective as a long-term solution to frozen pipes. You can use newspaper and duct tape as a placeholder in a pinch.
Use these helpful tips for preventing frozen pipes to ensure you don’t waste time and energy on repairs. In the event of an emergency situation regarding your lines, we at Harris Main and Water Sewer Contractors offer speedy DEP water main break services to rectify any issue. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you!
