Reducing Your Risk of Frozen Pipes

Although spring is in sight, the weather may not warm up for quite some time. As providers of plumbing repair in St. Louis and surrounding areas, we understand the importance of taking preventative measures to make sure that your pipes don’t freeze. Did you know that burst pipes are one of the most common causes of property damage, resulting in repairs easily reaching $5,000? Specifically, pipes that are located in unheated interior spaces are at the highest risk of damage, such as in the basement, attic or garage.

What to Know About Pipe Insulation

The “temperature alert threshold” for freezing pipes hovers around 20 degrees Fahrenheit, so if you check the forecast and the temperatures will be around this threshold, you’ll want to take action. If you’re looking for a simple way to keep your plumbing system running as it should be, pipe insulation is an effective, affordable method of doing so. It can cost as little as 50 cents per linear foot, which is a simple way to keep your valuables safe, reduce the need for cleanup in the future and avoid paying extra insurance money.

Simple Measures That You Can Take

We recommend the following small tips and tricks to avoid future plumbing repair in St. Louis.

• Keep your garage doors closed to prevent the risk of frozen pipes. This is especially important if your garage stores water supply lines.
• Keep the thermostat at a consistent temperature during the day and night, especially when the weather is cold.
• Run water through your pipes, even at a trickle, to help prevent them from freezing.
• If you’re going to be away from your home for an extended period of time, such as on a vacation, make sure that you set your thermostat to a temperature no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Open the cabinets in your bathroom and your kitchen to allow the warmer air to circulate in and around your plumbing system. As a precaution, if you have young children, make sure to remove any potentially harmful products from areas where they can reach.
• Invest in attic, basement and crawl space insulation to help your home maintain a higher temperature without losing money on your energy bill. You can also turn to other types of insulation such as sealing all windows and seal cracks to fill in gaps that can ultimately add up and cost you more money.

What to Do If Your Pipes are Already Frozen

In the case that your pipes are already frozen, don’t panic! Be aware that if you think that your pipes are frozen and they have already burst somewhere in your home, the ice could unfreeze and turn into rushing water throughout your home. Your first step will be to turn off the main source of water, which is typically located near the water meter.

From there, it’s best to call our team at Classic Aire Care so our professionals can determine the next best steps. The last thing you want is to make the wrong decision regarding your plumbing system that results in an expensive bill.

Don’t hesitate to contact our team today if you’re in need of our expertise!