How to Prevent Your Pipes From Freezing

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

Freezing water on the side of a condo after a water pipe burst. Call SERVPRO of Spencer & Iowa Great Lakes for help with any water emergency.

Winter temperatures are here, along with the risk of frozen pipes. Northwest Iowa winters can be harsh on your household plumbing. As soon as the leaves begin to fall you should start protecting your home from the cold temperatures. Follow these important steps to help prevent expensive problems later on. 

*Disconnect your garden hose. This will help outside faucets and pipes from freezing, leaking or breaking. 

*Close outside crawl spaces and doors to prevent cold air from seeping inside.

*Repair any broken windows, and seal all cracks in the walls.

*Wrap all water lines and meters in commercial insulation. 

*Locate your shut-off valves and make sure that they are working properly. 

*If you are going away, keep your thermostat at a minimum of 55 degrees fahrenheit.  Have someone periodically checking on your home to ensure damage doesn’t go un-noticed.

*If you are planning on turning off your heat make sure to drain all the water from your pipes, toilets, and water heater. It may be beneficial to use antifreeze in your drains as well. Turn off the power source to the water heater. If your heater operates off of gas, turn the heater on “pilot.”

*Keep garage doors closed. A door accidentally left open leaves any water supply lines vulnerable to freezing temperatures.

*Open cabinets to keep warm air circulating around the plumbing. 

*Let faucets drip, especially during bitter weather. 

*Open interior doors to keep your home at a consistent temperature. 

If a pipe does break make sure to turn off the main water. Open your faucets to release some of the pressure. Clean up any standing water, and call SERVPRO of Spencer & Iowa Great Lakes to prevent further damage to your home. Our team of professionals are available for 24-hour emergency service.