How to Keep the In-Ground Water Pipes From Freezing
Water pipes that come into the home are liable to freeze during the winter months, which will not only leave your home without hot water, but will also require potentially expensive work to be done. By using a few methods during cold periods, you can keep the water in water pipes running smoothly. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Fix the problem above ground to prevent any expensive problems below ground. The most vulnerable part of your water system is that which is nearest to your house, since this will be standing still longest. Find where your inlet pipe goes outside, since this will be the best area to treat.
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Cover the inlet pipe in pipe jacketing. Cut the desired length, and wrap the jacket around the pipe. Use electrical tape to hold the jacketing in place. This will prevent it from freezing on all but the coldest nights.
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Use electrical heat tape. This plugs into the mains electricity, and is wrapped around your pipes to keep them warm. Doing this at the point that the water pipe exits the ground will ensure that a length of pipe underground does not freeze.
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Leave a tap on overnight on the coldest nights. You only need it to trickle out of the tap, and this will be enough to keep the water flowing and prevent standing water, which is one of the primary causes of frozen pipes.
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Set your water heater on a timer, to ensure it comes on one hour a day. If you are away from your house for a few days, set your water heater to come on at midnight for an hour. This will heat up the water during the coldest part of the day, and will prevent your water from freezing. If it is particularly cold, have the water heater on for one hour every four or five hours.
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References
- Photo Credit pipe fitting image by Joann Cooper from Fotolia.com
