Glendale, AZ, isn’t particularly known for experiencing a lot of cold weather. This doesn’t mean that freezing temperatures don’t ever impact the area. When they do, it’s imperative that homeowners in the area know how to protect their homes against frozen pipes.
1. Invest in Pipe Insulation
There are many varieties of pipe insulation, each designed to keep pipes from freezing in certain situations. Because of its high thermal resistance, fiberglass is a popular pipe insulating material for residential pipes. Foam insulation offers flexibility in a variety of settings and is easy to install. Plus, it is available in pre-formed tubes or sheets. Crawl areas benefit from reflective foil pipe insulation since it reflects heat. Cellulose glass pipe insulation excels in both very high and extremely low temperatures.
Another option for further protection is to use electric heat tape. Together, these insulation types keep pipes at the ideal temperature and prevent them from freezing. This is essential for the proper functioning of plumbing systems, especially in climates that sometimes experience freezing temperatures.
2. Fix All Air Leaks
Sealing air leaks in a home is crucial to prevent pipes from freezing because it helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature. Unsealed gaps allow cold air infiltration, exposing pipes to freezing temperatures. Homeowners can identify leaks by inspecting windows, doors and utility entry points. Sealing methods include weatherstripping, caulking and adding insulation.
Professional air leak sealing ensures a thorough and effective approach, utilizing advanced tools like infrared cameras to detect hidden leaks. Professionals address complex leaks in areas such as attics and crawl spaces. This comprehensive solution enhances energy efficiency and protects pipes from the risks associated with freezing temperatures.
3. Let Faucets Drip
When the temperature drops below freezing, you should let your faucets drip. Water in pipes is less likely to freeze due to the constant flow of water. You can safely switch off the water supply after the temperature rises above freezing.
4. Keep the Cabinets Open
Keep the cupboards beneath kitchen and bathroom sinks open to prevent pipes from freezing. Keep any other locations with accessible plumbing open too. Allowing warm air to flow around the pipes keeps the pipes from becoming dangerously cold during cold weather. This little step is crucial for pipes located along outside walls or in areas without heat.
5. Keep Garage and Exterior Doors Closed
Close the garage and outdoor doors to avoid frozen pipes. This includes all entry and exit doors located throughout the home. Even if the doors lead to an outdoor enclosed space, such as a sunroom or covered balcony area, keep the doors closed. The outside doors act as a shield from the cold weather outside, allowing the inside to stay warmer. If exposed to cold air drafts, pipes in garages or near external doors might freeze.
6. Upgrade the Insulation
The most important places to protect plumbing from cold weather are in crawl spaces, attics and outside walls. Adding insulation made of fiberglass to the ceilings and walls in these areas is popular because fiberglass is adaptable and has high thermal resistance. Reflective foil, cellular glass and foam insulation are also viable choices. Cellular glass offers better resilience in harsh environments, whereas reflective foil is better suited for insulating crawl spaces. Some homes benefit from a combination of different insulations.
7. Install Storm Windows
Storm windows protect pipes from freezing because they act as a barrier, keeping cold air out of the house and making the temperature inside more stable. Three-track storm windows provide a great deal of flexibility in terms of airflow management, thanks to their changeable glass and screen panels. Installing storm windows on the inside of a home adds even more insulation. For better energy efficiency, look for low-emissivity coatings on low-E storm windows.
8. Seal Foundation Cracks
To keep cold air out and pipes safe from freezing, it’s important to examine the foundation regularly and fix any cracks as soon as possible. Looking for obvious cracks or moisture on the inside and outside of the house’s walls is key to spotting these cracks. Exterior signs may include gaps, while interior indicators may include cracks in drywall. Sealing minor cracks in the foundation using epoxy or polyurethane is necessary to prevent pipes from freezing. To fill bigger holes, it’s best to use hydraulic cement or have an expert take care of the problem. After filling the crack, it’s imperative to apply a sealant and wait for it to cure.
9. Professionally Service Heating System
A home’s heating system plays an important role in protecting against frozen pipes. This is because the heating system keeps the pipes from freezing during cold weather. Professional maintenance is vital to keeping the system in optimal working order. Technicians ensure that components like the furnace, thermostat and vents operate efficiently. Regular maintenance also addresses potential issues, such as insufficient insulation or malfunctions, which, if left unattended, could lead to frozen pipes.
10. Close Exterior Vents
Vents for dryers, bathroom exhaust fans and attic ventilation are some of the outside vents that homes may feature. In order to prevent frozen pipes, it is essential to close these vents when the weather becomes cold. The absence of heat in attics and crawl spaces makes them more vulnerable to the chilling effects of cold air entering open vents in these parts of the house. Other exterior vents to keep closed during cold weather include chimney dampers, foundation vents and garage vents.
11. Keep Interior Doors Open
To prevent frozen pipes, it’s crucial to keep inside doors open. With the doors open, hot air can easily circulate throughout the home, even reaching the kitchen and bathrooms, where the pipes are visible. Steady air circulation keeps the interior at a constant temperature, which makes the plumbing system more resistant to freezing. This also makes it less likely for pipes to burst in the winter. Avoiding burst pipes is crucial for several reasons since it can lead to major water damage and health risks.
12. Install Pipe Sleeves
Pipe sleeves provide an additional layer of insulation, which keeps water within the pipes from freezing. You can get pipe sleeves made of a variety of materials, such as foam or fiberglass. In terms of cost and ease of installation, foam sleeves are great, but fiberglass sleeves provide better heat resistance. To protect exposed pipes from freezing conditions, these sleeves are custom-made to wrap around them.
13. Rely On a 100% Customer Satisfaction Guarantee
Relying on a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee when hiring a plumber is crucial for safeguarding the home against frozen pipes. This guarantee ensures that the plumber stays committed to delivering high-quality service and addressing any issues that may arise. In the context of frozen pipes, a satisfied customer guarantee implies that the plumber will take thorough preventive measures, respond promptly to emergencies and rectify any problems with the plumbing system. As a result, homeowners can have faith in the plumber’s commitment to keeping their plumbing system safe and operational throughout the winter.
Need help preventing frozen pipes in your Glendale, AZ, home? We offer all types of home services to keep your home safe during the winter. Our specialties include heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical work. Turn to us for pipe inspection, burst pipe repair, and more.
Give Christian Brothers Air Conditioning Plumbing Electrical a call now to learn all about the different ways to keep your pipes from freezing.
