16 Dec Top 5 Important Tips to Keep Your Pipes from Freezing this Winter

Winter is here, and that means checking your basement for spooky monsters? No that was October. However, did you know your basement, attic, garage and even the inside of your cabinets contain water pipes that are susceptible to freezing? While San Antonio doesn’t have the coldest of winters, those strong cold winds could speed up the freezing process for your water pipes.

According to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, one of the common causes of property damage is a burst pipe. How does this happen? When water is reaching freezing point it expands and can create incredible pressure to whatever is holding it. A typical water pipe is about 1 inch in diameter or smaller, the amount of pressure that is released when water freezes is enough to cause it to burst and consequently could flood your home. Here are the top 5 important tips to keep your pipes from freezing from the experts at Quarter Moon.

If You’re Traveling, Leave the Heater On

While this might not be the most ideal approach to saving money, leaving your thermostat to at least 55 degrees when you travel could save you a lot more in the long run. Water damage occurs when temperatures reach below this degree which can then cause the pipes to freeze and burst. If you plan to travel this holiday season, make sure to leave the thermostat at your home to at least 55 degrees.

Cabinets Serve More Than One Purpose

Cabinets are great for storing more than household items and food, they quite literally house your water pipes. When possible, leave your cabinet doors open; this will allow heat to circulate inside the cabinets and thus prevent water from freezing over.

Let Water Drip

Allowing water to run from your faucets can help prevent a pipe from freezing over. A frozen pipe is caused by the blockage from the faucet and the pressure from the water freezing. So even letting a trickle of water flow through could save you from a busted pipe. This will allow the water to circulate and prevent it from freezing and/or bursting.

Close the Garage

Closing your garage doors is an easy way to prevent the pipes living in your garage from freezing over. It is common for garages to have a large amount of smooth concrete which keeps the space cooler during the winter. Leaving your garage door open could potentially allow more cold air to come in. Which in turn, would cause the water supply lines in your garage to freeze over. Always remember to securely close your garage doors at all times.

Seal Cracks and Openings

There are several places where you can find cracks and openings around your home. Some of these areas could potentially allow drafts to hit water pipes running through and increase the chances of freezing. Check around your door frames and windows for any cracks as well as cables holes in your walls used for cable or Wi-Fi wires and make sure to seal any openings to increase insulation in your home.

Want to Make Sure You are Covered this Winter Season? Contact the Experts!

Here at Quarter Moon Plumbing, we don’t only want to give you valuable information that will help you maintain your home, we want to ensure that you have peace of mind too. Call us at any time if you’re having issues with your water pipes or aren’t sure if they are secured to stand against this winter season. If you feel uncomfortable about your plumbing and draining system and would like a professional opinion, call Quarter Moon Plumbing, AC & Heating at (210) 651-5899 or contact us on our website.