Winter is just around the corner and it’s time to start thinking about precautionary measures to protect your home from the harsh elements. One area homeowners and renters alike should be aware of is plumbing. Pipes are especially sensitive to the frigid temperatures of winter. While not every neighborhood succumbs to the freezing temperatures, homeowners in Denver know to be mindful of frozen pipes.

If you don’t take preventative measures before the first bout of cold weather strikes, you could find yourself dealing with bursting pipes.

Water travels into your home through pipes outside. When temperatures 32 degrees Fahrenheit and below hit, the water inside those pipes can potentially freeze and expand. In some cases, the pressure is too much for these pipes to handle and, suddenly, you have a damaged pipe on your hands that can lead to water damage.

Get ahead of freezing pipes this winter with these tips. 

Drain Water From Hose and Sprinkler Supply Lines (Irrigation Blowout)

A good first step in preventing freezing pipes is to assure there isn’t any stagnant water in your hose or sprinkler system. Disconnect your hose from the exterior spigot and let any excess water flow out. Take the steps to drain your sprinkler system too. This is called irrigation winterization or sprinkler blowout.

Let Your Faucet Drip

If extremely cold weather is on the way or you suspect a frozen pipe, allow for a slow drip to flow from your faucet. Moving water is less likely to freeze. This mitigates the threat of stagnant water freezing and causing damage to your pipes.

Keep the Heat Running

You probably won’t need too much convincing to keep the heat on while you’re at home but be sure you keep your heater running while you’re away too. Be sure your home maintains a temperature of at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit.  

Seal Up Your Home

In an effort to protect your pipes, it’s important that you retain heat in your home. This can be difficult if you have deteriorated window seals or cracks in your attic. Take the time to inspect your home for any potential air leaks and seal them to the best of your ability.

Add Insulation

Protect the pipes in your attic and crawl space using pipe insulation or heat tape. This is a great way to keep the pipes closest to the freezing temperatures outside warm. You can also add additional insulation to your home to improve its heat retention.

Keep Interior Doors & Cabinets Ajar

Allow warm air to flow freely throughout your home. Keep doors open so heat can travel without any obstacles. As we discussed above, a warm home is key in preventing bursting pipes. On especially cold days, open cabinets below your kitchen and bathroom sinks. This can keep warm air flowing around those pipes.

If Trouble Strikes, Call Restoration 1 Central Denver

Sometimes despite our best efforts, the freezing temperatures of winter will still get the best of us. The result could be bursting pipes, flooding, and, inevitably, water damage. So even when you resolve the damaged pipe you might still have the aftermath to clean up.

Restoration 1 offers 24-hour property restoration services and expert workmanship in and around the Denver, Colorado area. Don’t hesitate to get in touch!