Colorado is known for its very cold winters. And just like some of us, the pipes in our homes aren’t big fans of the negative temperatures either! Here are a few tips on how you can prep the pipes in your home to help prevent an annoying disaster.
- Heading Out?
If you are going out of town, even just for a short time, it’s important to check the weather. If the temperature is going to drop below freezing while you are away, set your thermostat to at least 65 degrees. Another important tip - open those cabinets under your kitchen and bathroom sinks to help the warm air circulate.
- Drip, Drip
Any pipes in a bathroom/kitchen/washroom etc. that are “on the outside of your home”, meaning sinks that are being driven by pipes that are feeling the cold outside, let some warm water drip. Even the slightest amount of water will help the pipes from freezing.
- Close and Seal
Assess any potential air leaks around your doors and windows. Cold air flowing in will only decrease the warm air to your indoor pipes. And keep your garage closed! We sometimes don’t remember how much cold air flows into our homes when the garage door is open. While you’re at it, make sure you have the proper insulation in all basements, attics, and crawl spaces. Adequate insulation will keep that warm air as regular as possible.
If your water pipes DO freeze, don’t panic! Running normal water through them, can help heat them back up and thaw the ice. If you suspect that one of your pipes are frozen or has potentially burst, check every faucet in your home. The likelihood of multiple frozen pipes can be significant.
Calling a licensed plumber can help ease the stress and get the pipes of your home back to normal.
Best Plumbing Contractors Denver, CO | Trusted Plumbers (teamdavelogan.com)