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How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

When you add up the things you dislike most about winter, we’re betting you need all your fingers and toes…and still have more to add to that list.

But here’s the question: is the possibility of your water pipes freezing included? If not, we hope you don’t learn your lesson the hard way.  Instead, follow these proven tips for preventing frozen pipe problems.

• Insulate pipes located in unheated spaces like your garage, attic, or crawl spaces. Foam and fiberglass insulation are readily available at home improvement centers.
• Shut off the water supply to exterior spigots.
• Before retiring for the evening, open cabinet doors that cover water pipes. That will allow warm air to circulate within.
• On extra cold evenings, leave one faucet on at just a trickle since moving water can’t freeze.
• If you’re going away even for a couple of days, it’s okay to lower your thermostat, but not below 55 degrees. For your added protection, replace older thermostats with programmable models that feature Wi-Fi remote access. That way, you can keep an eye on things from afar.
• Make sure your garage doors are always closed when not in use.
• Calk any holes or cracks that exist near pipes. This should be done on both interior and exterior walls. Doing so can help keep the cold air out and the warm air in.

If you’re unlucky enough to experience a frozen and burst pipe anyway, Messmer Mechanical can help. And yet before we arrive, shut off your main water valve.  Don’t know where it is or how to use it?  Now’s the perfect time to learn.

For help with frozen pipes or any other home plumbing need, Messmer Mechanical is at your service.