Temperatures are dropping, and soon they’ll be hitting record low levels. Every year it seems like we are hitting new record lows while we stay indoors with our heating systems to fight against the heat. Before we get into anything, we’d just like to reassure you that we’re here for you! The team at Westland Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing can provide you with high-quality services for your heating system that will ensure you stay warm this winter, guaranteed.
However, today we’re not talking about your heater. We’re talking about your pipes. Frozen pipes are one of the worst things to experience during the wintertime. They can rupture and break (since water expands when it turns into ice) and then when it warms up again and thaws, it can leak and destroy your property. Let’s talk about frozen pipes in Westlake, OH, and how you can best avoid them.
Why Are Frozen Pipes a Big Deal?
Water is one of the only substances on earth that expands when it freezes. Everything else tends to get more dense and compact. However, water is also a substance that we can’t live without, and all of our plumbing systems are designed to push and pull water throughout our homes. This is just the nature of things, and we need to be prepared to react accordingly to nature.
When temperatures reach freezing around your home, the pipes closest to the exterior of your home can get very cold. The moment they hit freezing, the water inside them could turn to ice, increase in size, and rupture the pipe. This force is strong enough to break even the thickest steel pipes!
Then, in the next few days when temperatures finally go back above freezing, the ice will melt and your pipes will start leaking through the holes made from the ice. Oh no!
Insulation Is the First Step
Insulation is a great way to ensure your pipes don’t freeze. There are special pipe insulation products you can buy, or if you’re on a tight budget you can use a pool noodle and fashion it around your pipes so they stay protected from the outdoor temperatures. Ask our team about what we recommend.
Open Up Your Cabinets
If you open up your cabinets, this allows for air to circulate more freely throughout your home. The heat will reach your pipes and they won’t freeze as easily as they would being so far away and separated from the warm temperatures created by your heater.
Don’t Run Your Thermostat Too Low
When you’re going on vacation, or headed back to work this year, make sure you leave your thermostat at a normal temperature. This is a given if you have pets that are staying put, but even if you don’t, these temperatures will help your pipes stop from freezing up and causing problems for you later on.
Don’t worry, a heating system set at a mild temperature (like the mid 50s) should be fine and really won’t use up much energy. You’ll pay less than you would to fix a burst pipe, that’s for sure!
