The Quad Cities’ winter weather can hit quickly and without warning. It usually doesn’t take long for the freezing-cold temperatures to take over and put your home’s plumbing at risk.
Frozen pipes are a concern for every homeowner in the Quad Cities area, but by implementing some proactive steps, you can significantly lower the chances of pipes freezing or bursting. A few small habits, especially during the coldest stretches of winter, go a long way in keeping water flowing and preventing costly damage.
Read our latest blog post below to learn more, and contact us if you need plumbing services in the Quad Cities area.
Add Insulation to Pipes
Just like your home needs insulation to keep it warm, your pipes should be properly insulated to prevent cold air from reaching them. Pipes can occasionally be exposed, especially those in crawlspaces, basements, garages, and attics.
Monitoring your pipes’ insulation and adding insulation when necessary can go a long way in keeping pipes from freezing. Because these materials help hold in heat and block out cold air, even a thin layer of insulation can make a noticeable difference during extreme temperatures. If you notice any gaps, worn spots, or places where insulation has slipped or fallen off, it’s best to address them right away.
Taking a few minutes to make sure everything’s properly covered helps protect your plumbing, reduce the risk of bursts, and keep your home running smoothly through the coldest parts of winter.
Drain Outdoor Hoses
It’s best to completely disconnect any hoses from the spigot before winter hits. If any hoses are still connected, though, it’s crucial that you drain them before freezing temperatures set in.
When the freezing weather hits, the water in the hose will freeze and extend up into the spigot, which can create pressure that leads to cracks or a burst pipe inside your wall. Draining the hose and storing it somewhere dry helps prevent that icy backup from happening.
Make sure your hoses are completely free of any water to keep your pipes and plumbing system safe.
Seal Air Leaks
Any air leaks in the home can allow the cold winter temperatures to seep into your home. When these develop near pipes, they expose your plumbing to freezing air and make those pipes much more likely to freeze. Even a small draft can create a big problem when temperatures drop well below freezing.
Check around windows, doors, crawl spaces, and foundation openings for any gaps or cracks where cold air might be sneaking in.
The best way to seal air leaks is with caulk, weatherstripping, or spray foam. These are all highly effective sealants that can go a long way toward preventing frozen pipes in the Quad Cities area.
Let Cold Water Drip From Faucets
We know it can seem counterproductive, but allowing cold water to slowly drip out of a faucet can actually prevent your pipes from freezing. This is because you’re allowing the water within your pipes to move, rather than just sit still and freeze solid. Even a tiny trickle is enough to relieve pressure and keep ice from forming inside the line.
Focus on faucets that are connected to pipes running along exterior walls or inside unheated areas since those are the most likely to freeze. Letting them drip during the coldest nights can help to prevent your pipes from freezing.
Keep Your Home Warm
You want to stay warm during the winter, and so do your pipes! By keeping your home above 55°F, you can help make sure the areas behind your walls and under your floors stay warm enough to protect your plumbing.
55 degrees is probably well below what you would normally set your thermostat to when you’re home, but it’s just as important to keep your heat running when you’re away. If you’re heading out of town for a trip, resist the urge to turn your thermostat way down to save money. Dropping the heat too low can leave your pipes vulnerable to freezing, especially during a sudden cold snap.
Keeping the temperature at or above 55°F helps maintain enough warmth throughout the house to protect your plumbing while you’re gone.
Schedule Plumbing Service in the Quad Cities With Schebler
Frozen pipes are a homeowner’s worst nightmare, but by taking a few steps, you can help prevent disaster. No matter what your plumbing needs might look like, Schebler Heating and Air has you covered.
From plumbing repairs and installations to replacements and maintenance, our team is here to help. We’ve helped countless happy customers over the years, and we’d be honored to keep your home protected, too.
From Davenport and Bettendorf to Moline and Rock Island, call Schebler for plumbing services in the Quad Cities.