Don’t Let Your Pipes Freeze This Winter

Freezing temperatures aren’t just uncomfortable–they can damage your home from the inside. You may not have thought about it, but plumbing always has liquid in it, allowing you to get fresh water whenever you need it. When the weather turns cold, that water can freeze, causing it to expand. Unfortunately, metal and PVC pipes don’t expand with it.

If you notice the problem early, you can thaw your pipes, a process that takes time and careful attention. However, if you don’t catch them in time, the building pressure can make the pipes burst, spraying water into your home’s internal structures. When that happens, there’s nothing you can do except turn off the water and contact your Dayville home insurance provider.

Your best approach is preventing your pipes from freezing in the first place. Fortunately, there are many easy ways to keep your water in a liquid state and your home safe from damage.

Add Insulation

One of the best things you can do to protect your plumbing is to add insulation. You can buy insulation strips at nearly any home improvement store, and all you need to install them is duct tape and a little elbow grease. If you have pipes in hard-to-reach places, you can hire a professional for the job.

Plan for Trips

If you want to save yourself a call to your Dayville home insurance agent, you should take a few precautions before leaving for a winter trip. Even if the forecast looks clear, prepare your home for freezing temperatures anyway. Additionally, have a trusted loved one or neighbor check on your house periodically. That way, if the pipes do freeze, you can deal with the problem before it becomes unmanageable.

Keep the Temperature Consistent

Protecting your pipes in the winter may be as simple as keeping the thermostat above a certain threshold. While it’s tempting to set the temperature low to beat heating expenses, it can end up costing you in the long run, as it takes longer to heat your home than to keep it at a consistent temperature. To ensure your pipes stay above freezing (especially those in hard-to-heat places), you should keep the thermostat above 55 degrees.

Let the Faucet Drip

It may sound counter-intuitive, but letting your faucet drip is integral to preventing freezing pipes. A small, steady drip keeps water moving through the plumbing, and since moving water doesn’t freeze as easily, your pipes are at a lower risk.

Open Your Sink Cabinets

Opening the cabinets under your bathroom and kitchen sinks is a great way to prevent a call to your Dayville home insurance agency. Closed cabinets don’t allow air to circulate around your sink pipes, which means they don’t get heated like other areas of the house. You don’t have to keep them open all the time–just when the heat is running to ensure they’re reaching a safe temperature.

About Byrnes Agency

At Byrnes Agency, we offer insurance solutions that can be tailored to meet your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for personal policies or commercial coverage, we have the right coverage for you. To learn more about our products, contact us today at one of our two locations.

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