Along with the arrival of a new year, Old Man Winter has
settled into our area. Many people enjoy the chill in the air, but Action Rentals reminds everyone that too much
chill can damage your home if precautions are not in place.

 During cold weather, pipes in your walls, attic, under your
floor or in unheated areas of your home can freeze.  As water freezes it expands. This added pressure can cause
pipes to crack or even burst, leading to costly repairs.   

Fortunately, preventive measures can greatly reduce the risk
of frozen pipes, keeping your plumbing lines thawed and in good working
condition. Below are tips to help avoid frozen pipes.

 

Tips to Keep Pipes From Freezing

 

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!