Burst pipes are a major problem in the winter, and can cause a lot of damage. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to avoid this from happening.
The pipes most at risk of freezing are those that run along exterior walls or in unheated areas of your home. Insulating these is an effective way to prevent them from freezing, and can also be very affordable.
Insulate Your Pipes
One of the best things you can do to avoid pipes bursting in your home is to insulate them. This is a project that most homeowners can tackle without the help of a professional plumber, and it will make a big difference in your home’s energy efficiency and water conservation.
Pipe insulation helps keep cold air out of your home and warm air in, which makes your heating system work more efficiently. It can also prevent hot water pipes from losing heat, which can reduce your energy costs and the amount of time it takes to get hot water out of your taps.
Pipe insulation comes in a variety of materials, such as foam, polyethylene and fiberglass. It’s important to choose a type that has the right R-value for your area, which typically ranges from 1 or 1.5 to 7 (R-value is an indicator of thermal resistance).
Keep Your Home Warm
Frozen pipes can cause serious water damage in your home, and the cost can be thousands of dollars. But there are a few simple things you can do to avoid the problem.
Insulate – Pipes that run through unheated spaces such as basements, attics, garages, and crawl spaces can freeze easily, but insulation can help to keep them warm. You can add foam rubber, fiberglass, or heat tape to the exposed pipes in these areas.
Seal – You can also use waterproof caulking and patch kits to seal cracks and gaps in exterior walls, foundations and the spaces where your pipes enter or exit the house. These areas are the most susceptible to freezing and bursting in winter.
Set Your Thermostat – Another important way to protect your pipes from freezing is to keep your home warm all the time. Setting your thermostat to a consistent temperature, such as 68 degrees, can keep your home warm even when you aren’t at home or asleep.
Check Your Thermostat
When poorly insulated pipes are exposed to cold weather, they can freeze and break. This could lead to a big mess and serious damage.
One small but useful strategy to avoid this is to check your thermostat. The thermostat is the central control for your heating and cooling system, so if it does not work properly, it could be a sign of a problem.
You should be able to tell if it is broken by looking at the screen or reading the temperature display. If the screen is blank or unresponsive, it is a sign of a thermostat failure.
Another sign is that the temperature in different rooms doesn’t match. This could be caused by the thermostat estimating the temperature in other rooms differently than it estimates your actual room temperature.
If you think your thermostat is faulty, it is important to get it fixed quickly and professionally. Https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-adelaide/ is a great website to reference for a range of thermostat repair services to ensure your heating and cooling system keeps you comfortable.
Patch Up Drafty Areas
Drafts are a major source of heat loss in many homes, especially older ones. The best way to combat the problem is to use the right sealants in the right places, so your home stays as warm as possible all winter long.
Using 100% silicone sealant is the most effective and will pay dividends with your heating bill. The best part is you don’t have to shell out a fortune for these upgrades.
It is important to remember that a single leaky pipe can lead to costly repairs down the road, so be sure to insulate and seal your water pipes well, and regularly check for signs of freezing water. Finally, make sure your home’s thermostat is set correctly to avoid a sudden spike in energy bills. If you do have to turn the temperature up, be sure to keep it at a steady level. It is worth a call to your local expert for advice on the best way to do this!
