As winter approaches and the mercury dips, it is time to be proactive in protecting the vulnerable hidden veins of your home—the pipes- from freezing. A frozen pipe is a silent harbinger of potential disaster, as they can burst without warning, leading to water damage and costly repairs. To try to help you avoid that from happening, Best Option Restoration of Lexington- Your local water damage repair industry expert, has tips on how you can fortify your home against the icy grip of winter.
Keep the Warmth In
Begin by keeping your garage doors closed, especially if they house water supply lines. This simple act not only shields the pipes but also conserves heat, reducing your energy bills.
Freeze Warning? Let Faucets Drip
Allowing your faucets to drip slightly when there is a threat of a hard freeze is a strategic defense to prevent water within your pipes from freezing. Especially pipes that are run along outside walls. Moving water is much harder to freeze than still water.
Consistent Climate Control
Maintain a steady temperature setting on your thermostat both day and night. A warm and consistent temperature mitigates the risk of freezing. Even if you're wintering elsewhere, set your home to no lower than 55° F.
Seal Up Cracks
Inspect your home for any cracks or openings that could admit cold air, especially where pipes run from inside to outside, and seal them. Caulking around doors and windows, and insulating your pipes with foam pipe insulators can help prevent freezing and save you money on your heating bill.
Protect Your Outdoor Faucets
Outdoor faucets should be closed, drained, and covered. Disconnect garden hoses and turn off the water supply to these external points. If you have an irrigation system, be sure to drain it or blow it out for the winter months.
Long-Term Measures
For long-lasting protection, consider insulating spaces like attics, basements, and crawl spaces where pipes are located. Using heat tape or heat cables with thermostat controls on pipes is an effective preventative measure against freezing conditions, even in climates that do not frequently experience extreme cold. With climate change and the threat of El Nino this winter, anything is possible! It is better to be proactive, rather than reactive, when it comes to winterizing your home.
When Winter Wins
Sometimes, even with the best planning and preparation, winter still gets the upper hand. If you find a frozen pipe, refrain from using an open flame to thaw it. Instead, use a hairdryer, heating pad, or warm towels to gently melt the ice. If you discover any cracks or breaks, shut off the main water supply and call the professionals at Best Option Restoration of Lexington immediately. Even if you don’t see any obvious cracks or breaks, we still recommend calling to have your pipes inspected.
Frozen pipes can happen to anyone. As long as you know who to call should such an emergency happen to you, everything will be alright. Best Option Restoration of Lexington is a local, experienced water damage repair company. We offer emergency services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Because we are local, we’ll get there quickly when you need us. Our friendly and knowledgeable technicians will work fast to get the situation under control, repair the leak, extract the water and dry out the area, so that you can get back to normal faster.
Bookmark our website now as your ‘in case of water emergency’ contact. That way you are prepared to handle a water damage situation without having to panic about who to call. The best option for water damage removal, repair and restoration is Best Option Restoration of Lexington.
