Don't Let Your Pipes Freeze

The best way to fix frozen pipes is not to let it happen in the first place. Once your pipes are frozen it could be days before they thaw if the temperature does not rise above freezing and if your pipes are busted you could potentially be looking at forking over thousands of dollars to a plumber to get it fixed.

Check out these easy and affordable tips to keep your pipes from freezing. For more tips you can visit your local hardware store or call your Water Department Utility.

Leave Heat On in Your Residence
During the winter you should always leave heat on in your residence even when you are away to lessen the chance of having your pipes freeze or bust. Be sure and keep your residence at a temperature of at least 64 degrees to avoid having a mess of frozen pipes. If you are a permanent occupant at the residence you can keep the temperature a little higher.

Open Cabinet Doors
Leaving your cabinet doors open will allow the pipes to stay better heated. Open the ones in your kitchen, laundry room, and bathrooms. If you are really worried that you don't have good insulation and your pipes might freeze you can even strategically place heaters in front of the cabinets with the doors open.

Let the Warm Air Circulate
Do not isolate parts of your home by closing the door, that will increase your chances of having your pipes freeze. Be sure to leave open bathroom and laundry room doors. If there is not heat in your laundry area put a heater out there to avoid having the pipes to your washing machine freeze.

Wrap Outside Faucets and Exposed Pipes
It is very important to wrap your outside faucets and exposed pipes so they will not freeze. Outside faucets can freeze and cause the pipes in your outside walls to bust and that is not a pretty picture. Visit your local hardware store to learn more about insulating your outside and exposed piping.

Drip, Drip, Drip
Letting your inside faucets drip will lessen your chances of having your pipes freeze and/or bust because there will be a steady stream of water moving through your pipes. Little trickles of water in your sinks and tubs will not run your water bill up that much. Consider doing it on nights and days when the temperature will is below 30 degrees.