As the weather cools off, it is important to make sure that your home has been properly winterized. This can be vital in the case of pipes that carry water, because frozen pipes can lead to expensive repairs or damaged floors and walls. Protecting yourself against frozen pipes is a yearly consequence of living in Indianapolis and other Northern climes where the temperatures regularly fall below the freezing point.
Most pipe protection can be done easily enough by the tenant or homeowner. Any pipes that are outside the boundaries of your heating system are a potential disaster waiting to happen. Any home improvement store will carry insulating materials designed to slip easily over pipes and prevent them from freezing.
You should also check all of the pipes you can reach for leaks or cracks. Water inside frozen pipes will expand, and the slightest crack can be forced open until the pipe bursts. Basements and crawl spaces are especially vulnerable, and having a sump pump installed is a relatively inexpensive way to prevent major flooding if frozen pipes burst during a hard freeze.
Flushing out your water heater and plumbing system can remove sediment buildup in the lines that may contribute to pipes freezing. The job can be performed by the homeowner, or you can hire an experienced professional to take care of it for you. If you know it’s going to be bitterly cold, leave taps connected to vulnerable pipes dripping, and open up cabinets and closet doors to let warm air reach enclosed pipes. Leave the heat on at least at 60 degrees if you’re going to leave the house for the day or longer.
Despite your best efforts, extreme cold can still cause frozen pipes. Indiana OUCC warns that trying to thaw out a frozen pipe yourself could cause serious damage. Instead, they recommend that you contact a professional with the equipment and experience to do the job for you in a safe manner.
Having your heating system cleaned and checked before winter arrives is always a good idea, both to prevent burst pipes in the walls and other damages related to freezing temperatures. If you would like to schedule a preventive maintenance call or have your pipes winterized, please contact us today at Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing. We can fix your broken pipes, but helping you avoid the inconvenience is always the best option.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Brownsburg, Indiana and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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