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.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

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.

[KatYares]

on 2/2/2008 It would be nice to say that I didn't have to learn these things through experience -- but alas, I've had my share of frozen and broken pipes -- hoping this will help others.

[kjv4thee]

on 2/2/2008 Been there done that. (with the hair dryer, crawling in the crawl space and all.) Not anymore that we are in apartment buildings. I guess there are some advantages to being here. ( doing what you say in your article would solve the problem though ) Good advice Kat.

[MidniteWriter]

on 2/1/2008 These are great ideas that I wouldn't have known if I didn't read this article. I live in an area where this will come in very handy. Thanks for the tips!