4 Tips for Preventing Burst Pipes in the Winter

January 20, 2022

As water freezes, it can expand by nearly 10%, creating problems for your plumbing system. Ice can burst pipes from within, causing extensive damage to your plumbing and potentially flooding your home. Your home insurance policy may cover the cost of repairs, but most issues can be avoided with the following steps.

How to Keep Your Pipes From Freezing

1. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Pipes in the crawlspace, garage, and uninsulated exterior walls are most susceptible to freezing. Most hardware stores sell preformed foam sleeves that fit around pipes to protect them from the cold. Taking the time to ensure all of your pipes are properly insulated could keep them from bursting when temperatures drop below freezing.

2. Turn Off Exterior Faucets

Because pipes feeding outdoor faucets usually aren’t insulated, they’re one of the most common causes of plumbing-related home insurance claims. Turn off the valve controlling the outside faucet, then open the tap. This will drain most of the water from the system, so the pipe won’t freeze even in the coldest winter.

3. Open the Cabinets

The cabinet doors under your sink keep warm air from flowing around the pipes, making them more vulnerable to freezing. This is especially dangerous because the plumbing fixtures under sinks typically aren’t insulated. Opening the cabinet doors will minimize the risk by letting your furnace heat up the pipes.

4. Keep Water Flowing

Moving water doesn’t freeze as easily, so it’s a good idea to keep water flowing through your pipes. Opening up the taps to let a trickle of water through can be enough to keep your plumbing intact.

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Phil Taylor Insurance Agency in Clarksville, AR, knows how to protect your most valuable investment. They offer home insurance policies from a variety of respected carriers and provide a level of service that earned them the 2015 Small Business of the Year award by the Clarksville Johnson County Chamber. Visit the website for more on their home insurance services, get safety tips and advice on Facebook, and call (479) 754-2616 to request a free quote.

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