As winter weather descends on us here in New York City, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to prevent frozen pipes. A burst pipe can cause a lot of damage and leave you with a hefty repair bill, so it’s best to take preventative steps now. At Watson’s Plumbing, Heating & Building Services, Inc., we’re here to provide you with some plumbing tips on how to prevent frozen pipes — keep reading to learn more.
Allow Water to Drip
One of the easiest preventative measures you can take to prevent your pipes from freezing over is to allow water to drip from your faucets. The movement of the water will help keep your pipes from becoming frozen solid. Plus, letting water drip — not turning the faucet on full blast — and leaving it for a few hours or overnight should hardly raise your water bill.
Keep Your House Warm
One of the best ways to prevent frozen pipes is by keeping your house warm. This may seem like an obvious solution, but it’s often overlooked. Additionally, if you’re going to be away from home for an extended period of time, be sure to set your thermostat to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit — this will help ensure that your pipes don’t freeze while you’re gone.
Insulate Pipes
Another simple way to prevent frozen pipes is by wrapping them in insulation or heating tape. Any hardware store will carry this type of material and it’s relatively inexpensive. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when applying the insulation or tape or get plumbing help from one of our professionals.
Seal Leaks
In addition to the tips above, another way to prevent frozen pipes is by sealing any leaks that might allow cold air to enter. Even a small crack can let in enough cold air to cause your pipes to freeze, so it’s best to seal any gaps or cracks around doors and windows. You can use caulk or weather stripping for this purpose.
If you need expert help in frozen pipe prevention, rely on the best in the city — rely on our team of professional plumbers at Watson’s Plumbing in NYC. Contact us today to get a free estimate.