Brrr… it is cold outside! While a chill in the air can be nice,  Action Rentals reminds everyone that too much cold can damage your home if precautions aren’t in place. Cold weather can cause the pipes in your walls, attic, under the floor, or in unheated parts of your home to freeze. As water freezes, it expands and this added pressure can cause pipes to burst or crack, leading to expensive repairs. Fortunately, there are preventative measures you can take to greatly reduce your risk of frozen pipes, thus keeping your plumbing lines thawed and in good working condition.

1. To help protect the pipes in your exterior walls, you can simply open the cabinet doors at the sinks that are served by the exterior wall pipes. This will allow the heated interior air to warm and help protect the pipes. You can also place a portable heater a safe distance from the wall and any other combustible material to aid in this process. Always follow manufacturer guidelines for heater placement.

2. Running water can also help keep your pipes from freezing. It’s easier for standing water to freeze, so by keeping a small trickle of water running you’re your faucet, you help prevent your pipes from freezing. When you run your water, run both the hot and cold water. This warmer water also keeps your pipes warmer and helps to keep them thawed. Also try and run the water from the far end of the house. This helps to protect the main water lines.

3. For longer lasting solutions, consider using expanding insulating foam to fill any voids in the interior walls. Carefully follow the instructions provided when you purchase this foam. Make sure you calculate the approximate volume of space between the studs to keep from using too little or too much foam. If overused, expanding foam can bow or crack drywall.

4. Utilize insulating material, such as the molded foam pipe wraps, to place around any exposed pipes in your attic, basement, crawl space or other unheated areas.

As always, before you start any home improvement or preventive maintenance project, carefully review all safety information provided with your purchases. Take careful steps to properly shut down any equipment that may be damaged due to shutting off water supplies. If you need any equipment for this or other home maintenance jobs remember to contact Action Rentals Renting– the smart way to get things done!

Come see the experts at Action Rental & Sales in Kingsport, Tennessee. Stop by our showroom at 1861 Eastman Road, visit our website or call us at 423-246-5181.