.2410011550386.jpg)
As winter approaches in New Jersey, keeping your home’s heating system in top condition is crucial, but don’t forget about protecting your plumbing system. Freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on your pipes, causing them to freeze, burst, and lead to costly repairs.
Fortunately, with a few proactive measures, you can prevent freezing pipes and protect your home from water damage. Here are some tips to help keep your pipes from freezing this winter:
1. Insulate Your Pipes
One of the most effective ways to prevent your pipes from freezing is to insulate them. Pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, crawl spaces, and garages are especially vulnerable to freezing. You can use foam pipe insulation or heat tape to wrap exposed pipes and provide them with an extra layer of protection from the cold.
- Insulate both hot and cold water pipes.
- Focus on pipes located near exterior walls or in unheated areas.
- Heat tape with a thermostat can automatically turn on when the temperature drops.
2. Seal Gaps and Cracks
Cold air can seep into your home through small gaps, cracks, and holes in walls, floors, and ceilings, especially near pipes. Seal these openings with caulk or spray foam insulation to keep cold air out and warm air in. Pay particular attention to areas around doors, windows, and the spots where pipes enter or exit your home.
- Check for gaps around windows, doors, and where pipes penetrate walls.
- Use weather stripping and insulation to block drafts.
3. Keep the Heat On
If you’re planning to leave your home for an extended period, make sure to keep the heat on. While it may be tempting to turn off the heat to save on energy costs, doing so can increase the risk of frozen pipes. Set your thermostat to a minimum of 55°F, even if you’re away. This will ensure that the temperature inside your home doesn’t drop too low, reducing the chance of frozen pipes.
4. Open Cabinet Doors
Pipes under sinks, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms, are often located near exterior walls where they’re more prone to freezing. By opening cabinet doors, you allow the warm air from your home to circulate the pipes, helping to keep them from freezing.
- Open the cabinets under sinks, especially on exterior walls.
- Consider using space heaters in particularly cold areas.
5. Let Faucets Drip
Allowing a slow trickle of water to run from your faucets can relieve pressure in your plumbing system. Even if the water in the pipes starts to freeze, the dripping water will prevent the pipes from bursting due to pressure buildup. This is especially useful for faucets connected to vulnerable pipes.
- Let faucets drip slightly in particularly cold weather.
- Focus on faucets connected to exposed or exterior wall pipes.
6. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
Make sure to disconnect and drain all garden hoses before the first freeze. Water left in the hose can freeze and expand, causing damage to both the hose and the outdoor faucet. Consider installing frost-proof outdoor faucets to provide additional protection.
- Disconnect hoses and store them indoors.
- Drain any water from outdoor faucets.
7. Know Where Your Water Shut-Off Valve Is
In case a pipe does freeze and burst, knowing where your main water shut-off valve is located can save you a lot of trouble. By shutting off the water quickly, you can minimize water damage and get a plumber to fix the issue as soon as possible.
- Locate your main water shut-off valve before winter.
- Test it to make sure it’s working properly.
Protect Your Home from Frozen Pipes
Preventing your pipes from freezing requires a little preparation, but it’s well worth the effort. By following these tips, you can avoid the headaches and expenses that come with burst pipes and water damage. If you need assistance winterizing your plumbing or handling frozen pipes, the experienced team at William J. Guarini Inc. is here to help. Stay warm and protect your home this winter!
Contact us today at (201) 754-1095 to schedule a plumbing inspection or to learn more about our heating and plumbing services.