How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

Rate: (8 Ratings)

Frozen pipes can be a household nightmare. A few inexpensive items and a few preventive steps can help you avoid the problem.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • Electrically Powered Heat Tape
  • Duct Tape
  • Heat Lamps
  • Twine
  • Caulks
  • Insulation

Step1
Apply electrically powered heat tape; this will ensure protection against frozen pipes in the coldest weather as long as the utilities are on. Apply the tape in a spiral pattern following the manufacturer's recommendations regarding the distance between individual coils.
Step2
Warm the area with a heat lamp if all the pipes are concentrated in one small space.
Step3
Use foam rubber or fiberglass insulation (see Tips below) to cover all exposed lengths and joints of the pipe if electrical solutions are inappropriate. (If you've used heat tape you may need to go up one size in fiberglass insulation covering to get a proper fit.)
Step4
Secure the sections of insulation with tape as needed.
Step5
Prevent drafts of frigid winter air. Secure all crawl space openings or windows and insulate and caulk any cracks in the structure's foundation.

Tips & Warnings

  • Rubber insulation is less expensive and easier to work with than fiberglass, but not the best product to be used in conjuction with heat tape since it doesn't provide any vapor barrier. Fiberglass insulation is the better insulator, though potentially irritating to the eyes, skin and lungs.
  • If the house isn't in use during the coldest months, drain the plumbing system before closing the house down. A drained system is the only foolproof way to avoid a freeze-up.
  • There are professionals you can call to insulate pipes of the job is a large one.
  • When using electrically powered heat sources, follow the manufacturer's warnings to avoid fire hazards. Inspect any electrical implements frequently.
  • Remember insulation is designed to retain the heat that is already in the pipe. It cannot add heat.
  • If using fiberglass insulation be sure to wear gloves, goggles and a dust mask to protect yourself from its irritating qualities.

Comments

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Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 After removing your hoses for the winter, locate and shut off the valve supplying the outside tap. Then open the outside tap and drain all standing water from the pipt. Leave the outside tap open until the Spring, when you'll reverse the order: close the outside tap and then re-open the supply valve.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 "Snow birds" who leave their homes for any length of time during the winter, or cabin owners, might want to purchase a freeze alarm or temperature monitor. These nifty devices can be programmed to phone you or a neighbor if there is a power failure or the temperature drops below a certain number of degrees.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Years ago, a plumber told us that, when it's extremely cold, turn on a faucet and let a "pencil-thin" flow of water run. He also added to leave the doors under the sink cabinet open.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Open cabinet doors under the sink in kitchen and bathroom. This will let warm room air into the area where the pipes are.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Leave your cabinet doors under the sinks open so the heat from your house will keep the interior pipes warm.

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eHow Article:  How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Category: Home & Garden

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