With winter weather inarguably on the way, we asked one of the top Brooklyn plumbing companies for tips to prevent frozen pipes. Here’s what they had to say:
Insulate Pipes Against Cold Winter Weather
The reason pipes freeze and then burst is the water inside the pipes is exposed to temperatures of 32 degrees F or lower for prolonged periods of time. The water freeze and expands, which damages your pipes.
To prevent this, most Brooklyn plumbing companies recommend insulating pipes, particularly those in walls with a northern exposure, or in uninsulated basement or subfloor areas, with plumbing pipe insulation. This is a job your Brooklyn plumber can do for you. The reason insulating the pipes is so important is the insulation keeps the cold air away from the water in your pipes so it never freezes.
Understand How Heat Reaches Your Pipes
If you’ve had a problem with sink traps freezing in the kitchen or bathroom, opening cabinet doors to allow warm air from the house to circulate around the pipes is a smart strategy. The same holds true for pipes in rooms that are closed off much of the time, such as a laundry or utility room. If you’ve had a problem with the pipes in these rooms, try leaving the door open so the room can be warmer, or turn up the thermostat in that room. A difference of just a few degrees can be enough to keep the pipes from freezing.
Understand How Cold Reaches Your Pipes
One super simple (and totally free!) tip to help you prevent frozen pipes this winter involves limiting how much cold can access your pipes. For example, simply making sure basement doors and windows are shut and secure can make a serious difference in protecting your pipes. Look for opportunities to better insulate your house: it helps boost your energy efficiency, keeps the house more comfortable, and prevents frozen pipes.
