Your plumbing system is one of the most vital components in your home or establishment. Keeping it in the best condition can prevent safety issues and increasing bills. Your pipes go through different environmental conditions that can affect their quality. Incorporating drywall access doors and panels is how you can easily monitor your plumbing fixtures. 

In winter seasons, burst pipes are one of the most common causes of property damage, causing thousands of dollars in water damage. Lines in unheated internal areas, like your garage, attic, and basement, are almost waiting to freeze during cold weather. Pipes that freeze the most include: 

• Open pipes, such as water sprinkler lines and swimming pool supply lines. 

• Uninsulated pipes on your exterior walls. 

• Water pipelines in unheated areas like garages and basements  

The moment temperatures start to drop outside, it would help if you began taking precautionary measures to prevent your pipes from freezing. Without these preventive measures, you may notice freezing pipes when there are visible indications of reduced water flow at faucets. Here are some of the guaranteed ways you can help prevent your pipes from freezing: 

1. Ensure to Always Close Your Garage Doors 

If the plumbing pipes in your garage are not insulated well, keep the garage door closed at all times. This will help maintain the heat inside your home or establishment and prevent increasing your heat energy bills. 

2. Leave the Faucets Running for a Little While 
Letting cold water drip from the tap can help prevent freezing for any of your faucets served by exposed pipes. Doing this small task can save you the hassle of experiencing frozen pipes. 

3. Keep a Steady Indoor Temperature 

Always maintain your thermostat at an optimum temperature that works throughout the day. Your pipes are more likely to freeze if it experiences a cold snap. It goes similarly to your thermostat if you plan to leave for the winter season. Leave your home's temperature not less than 55° F. 
 

4. Insulation 

If you want a more long-term solution to this problem, installing adequate insulation in your attics, basements, and crawl spaces is worth trying. Insulation can help maintain higher temperatures in these mentioned areas.  

In addition, if you want to prevent drafts, you must seal noticeable cracks and openings around windows, doors, and other structures in your home or establishment. Keeping your property insulated can help maintain the optimum temperature indoors and can not only help you save money on energy costs but can also prevent your pipes from freezing that are located in the mentioned areas. 

5. Drain Outdoor Faucets 

Remember to close and drain your outdoor faucets. You can also protect them by using faucet covers throughout the cold winter seasons. Don't forget to disconnect any garden hoses and turn off the water from pipes leading to outdoor faucets. 
 

6. Use Heat Tape or Heat Cables. 
You can use thermostatically controlled heat cables or heat tapes to wrap your plumbing pipes. Ensure to purchase and use products approved by an independent testing organization. Thoroughly follow all manufacturer's installation and operation guides.  

If you notice any indications of frozen pipes, check all the water supply lines and look for any cracks or breaks. If you find any broken pipes, shut off the main water supply to your home or establishment. Fixing broken pipes can be a difficult task that will require professional help.  

Contact an experienced plumber as soon as possible to prevent pipes from bursting and potentially causing more damage. Having damaged tubes can be stressful and costly, so conduct strategic methods before these issues worsen. 

Guest Contributor: Chris Jackson