Prepare Your Pipes for the Winter

Winter is on the way and temperatures are dropping. As we prepare for the holidays, no one wants to deal with frozen pipes and costly pipe repairs. Use these tips from Indy Renovation to keep your pipes safe.

Turn Off Outdoor Faucets

Open the shutoff valve on your outside faucets, let any extra water drain out, and then close the faucet. The pipe can still freeze and fracture if the bleeder cap isn’t initially allowed to drain.

Insulate Pipes in Cold Areas

Pipes exposed to freezing temperatures include those in crawl spaces, garages, and attics. Be sure to use a heat cable along the pipes and then insulate them. If a heat cable is not used, the insulation, which is not made to survive prolonged freezing temperatures, may actually stop warm air from reaching the pipes.

Let Faucets Drip

To keep the pipes from freezing, let the faucet drip a little bit. A gentle drip can save frozen pipes from shattering by relieving pressure. Even if your water bill can go up a little, this is still much less expensive than having to pay for new pipes.

Leave Cabinet Doors Open

You can open the under-sink cabinets in your kitchen or bathroom during a particularly chilly spell to let warm air circulate near the pipes. Pipes are exposed when doors are closed because warm air from your home can’t reach them.

Have Your Furnace Inspected

Before winter approaches, make sure your heating system is functioning properly. There is never a good time to discover a furnace malfunction, but it’s better to learn about an issue before the bitter cold of winter.

Check the Exterior of Your Home

Walk around your house looking for cracks that should be sealed. Your pipes will freeze as a result of cold air leaking through the crevices. Caulk or spray foam can be used to seal the gaps and safeguard your pipes.

Located in Indianapolis, Indy Renovation services the surrounding communities of Carmel, Fishers, and beyond. We provide a variety of plumbing services, such as water heater installation and well pump replacements. You can contact us today at (317) 375-4464 to request a consultation.