How to Avoid Burst Pipes in Winter

1/27/2022 (Permalink)

How to Prevent Burst Pipes

Winter is the perfect time of year for sledding, drinking hot chocolate, getting cozy by the fire, and cleaning up the aftermath of a burst pipe.

While the last point isn’t something any homeowner looks forward to, it is something you should keep top of mind, as the colder months tend to lead to an increase in this unexpected scenario.

The Long Island water damage repair and restoration team at SERVPRO of Ronkonkoma is here to share a few helpful tips that can keep your home in the clear:

Open All of Your Cabinet Doors

We hate to break it to you, but the drain pipe underneath your kitchen or bathroom sink is not insulated. And if the sink is attached to an outside wall of your home, the drain pipe can leak, freeze, and potentially burst during a severe temperature drop.

To lessen the chance of this from happening, leave the cabinet doors underneath your sink open. Doing so will allow warm air to flow into the space and help prevent the pipe from freezing.

Keep Your Thermostat Consistent

If you know freezing temperatures are on the way, it’s critical to adjust your home’s thermostat ahead of the chill. To avoid a complication with your pipes, set your thermostat to seventy degrees Fahrenheit and ensure your home remains at that temperature around the clock. 

Also, something to keep in mind: If your thermostat runs on batteries, make sure to have a fresh set on hand. Should you need to replace them at any given moment, you’ll already be prepared and won’t have to worry about trekking to the store when the weather is at its worst.

Let Your Home's Faucets Drip

Sure, a leaky faucet gets a bad rep — but during a temperature plummet, it can help save the day. If a faucet is installed along an outside wall of your home, slightly twist the knob and let hot water trickle overnight.

By doing this, you’ll keep H2O moving through your plumbing system and help lessen the chance of the line freezing.

Find and Seal Leaks ASAP

One thing that can be overlooked in a home is air leaks. Whether they’re coming from a dryer vent, around an outlet, or a window, anything that allows cold air to drift inside your home under the radar can cause an issue for your plumbing system, as well as hinder the efficiency of your HVAC system.

To ensure all leaks are sealed properly, thoroughly locate any “problem areas” ahead of a freeze and use caulk or insulation to seal them up.

Residential Repair and Restoration Services in Suffolk County, New York

If your home or business sustains water or flood damage, SERVPRO of Ronkonkoma is nearby and ready to save the day. Our highly trained property damage restoration team is equipped with the knowledge and experience to restore your property to its original state. 

To schedule your residential or commercial service, call us today at (631) 585-0007 or contact us online — we look forward to serving you.