During the winter season, the weather can get really cold and there is a high chance of causing water in the pipes to freeze. Freezing can occur in both plastic and metallic pipes and if it is not well-taken managed, it will make the pipes burst and this will likely cause water damage to your property. Luckily, there are practical measures that you can implement in your home to ensure that your water pipes are safe and can withstand freezing.
Freezing mostly affects outdoor pipes are they are more exposed to colder weather and harsh outdoor conditions and other weather elements. The first thing that you can do to prevent them from freezing is to disconnect hoses and water sprinklers and make sure they are switched off immediately after the weather starts to get colder.
Both indoor and outdoor pipes should be insulated using expanding foam in all sections where it’s possible. For indoor pipes, insulation can be done by the use of heated reflector lights, newspaper, foam padding, or tape when insulating joints. Doing so helps prevent the cold from getting inside the pipes and retaining the warmth inside the pipes.
Another great freezing pipes solution is to install a circulating pump. It works by keeping the temperature of the water inside the pipes regulated thus, preventing the water temperature from falling to the freezing point. Insulating other colder sections of your home like the basement or attic can go a long way in keeping your home warm are they are prone to cold air flows. Leaving the attic door or hatch open is also recommended if your home is secure as it can also play a big role in keeping your house warm as it allows heat to rise.
Switching the taps on often, especially when it’s raining or during cold seasons can also help in preventing water from lying stagnant in the pipes and eventually freezing. Doing so helps reduce pressure which easily builds up when you seldom switch on the water taps.
In addition, ensure that you regulate your home temperature through the use of a heating system that is always ON 24/7 and it does not go lower than 12-15C and 53-59F. If you switch the heating system OFF during the night, you increase the chances of your water pipes getting frozen.
If there is any pipe burst or leakage, consider turning off the main water valve and contact your plumber or home insurance company if it’s covered for immediate repairs.
What can I do if my pipes are frozen?
If your pipes are frozen, the best thing to do is to contact a certified plumber immediately. If you are suspecting that your metallic pipes have frozen, you can try and defrost them carefully using a hair dryer. After some time, you can try opening the tap and if you see more water coming out, you will know that the problem has been resolved.
Engaging a professional plumbing contractor like Ideal Plumbing and Drain for regular inspection of your home water pipes can also help identify pipes that need to be fixed before they can burst or become frozen due to improper insulation or lack of it.
Ideal Plumbing and Drain contractors offer the following frozen pipes plumbing services;
- Frozen Pipes Thawing services Toronto
- Pipe Freezing Services Toronto
- Thawing frozen drain pipes
- Toronto frozen pipes repair
- Pipe Thawing Service Toronto