How to Protect Water Pipes From Freezing

Nothing is worse than coming home to, or waking up to a broken water pipe. The single most common reason for a water pipe to break is because of freezing. Frozen water pipes can be prevented. Even in the coldest of weather, you can prevent them with just a few simple steps. Read on to learn how.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Foam pipe insulation
• Heat tape for pipes
• A source of power

1. Measure the outside diameter of any exposed pipes in your basement, crawlspace or other area.
2. Purchase foam pipe insulation that matches the size of your pipes from any hardware or home improvement store.
3. Wrap exposed pipes in foam pipe insulation. This is the foam that is split down the center and allows the user to slip it over pipes.
4. Wrap heat tape around pipes in areas that are especially prone to freezing. This can be where the water line enters the home or outside at the pump or water source. Plug the tape into an approved electrical socket.

Tips & Warnings

• A few dollars spent in the fall can save on pipe replacement and plumbing costs in the winter.
• Foam and heat tape can last for years and need only be replaced when either shows signs of rot or corrosion.
• Where temperatures are projected to be extremely low, leave the hot water faucet running a slow trickle of water in the tub and kitchen sink. Not only will this keep water flowing through the pipes, the hot water will help protect the drains from freezing also.
• If despite your best efforts, a water pipe does freeze, use a hair dryer on low temperature to thaw it out. By allowing the water to thaw slowly, the chance of the pipe breaking is reduced.

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