Brrrrrr: How To Protect Pipes From Freezing This Winter

Why Do Pipes Freeze?

With insurance claims averaging $900 resulting from damaged or frozen pipes, it's in every homeowner's best interest to have their pipes ready for colder temperatures. To do this, it's important to understand why pipes freeze. The main reason pipes freeze is because they are not insulated. Insulation is designed to keep pipes from freezing by keeping them warm inside and keeping cold air out. Pipes in colder areas of the home such as the basement, attic, and other areas that are not heated consistently are at the greatest risk of freezing.

To learn more about the effects of frozen pipes and how to prevent them, continue reading below. 

What Are the Dangers of Frozen Pipes?

Frozen pipes can range from nothing more than a minor inconvenience that can be easily fixed to a catastrophic disaster costing homeowners a ton of money and time in repiping.

The most common result of frozen pipes is that homeowners will not be able to get any water pressure and lose the function of drainage pipes.

Frozen pipes can also lead to things like:

• Pipes cracking or bursting
• Higher utility bills
• Flooding in the home

Getting pipes repaired is not cheap either, which is one main reason homeowners should do all they can to prevent frozen pipes to begin with.

How To Prevent Pipes From Freezing

The first thing homeowners should do before the holidays is insulate all of their pipes. Even though pipes do not usually freeze until temperatures reach below twenty degrees, it is still important to have them wrapped in insulation to prevent them from freezing when the time comes. It's better to be prepared beforehand. As for insulation, homeowners should use pre-formed pipe sheaths or wrap their pipes with standard blanket-style insulation.

Homeowners shouldn't stop there, though. It is just as important to insulate the home as it is to insulate the pipes as well. The key areas homeowners should focus on are their basement and attic, and other locations that are not heated very often. As an added benefit, homeowners will experience a lower heating bill.

What Are the Recommended Types of Insulation

Before selecting a type of insulation, it is important to understand the R-Value. The R-Value is the measurement used to determine the ability of an insulation's material to resist heat flow. Homeowners typically want insulation with an R-Value of 49 or greater because when it comes to R-Value, the higher the better.

The different types of insulation include: 

• Fiberglass: Fiberglass insulation is highly recommended as the go-to insulation for colder temperatures. It comes in a variety of shapes and sizes with an R-Value of 60. Most importantly, it does not lose its ability to save energy even after being used for many years.
• Blown-in: Blown-in insulation is a highly effective option throughout every season, especially during the colder months. It is best used in hard-to-reach places such as unfurnished attic floors and ceilings.
• Spray Foam: Spray foam insulation is effective during colder temperatures and is great for eliminating other tasks such as caulking. It starts as a liquid and expands, sealing cracks and gaps. After it turns into rigid foam insulation, it can then be cut, removing any excess providing an even surface.

Marc Francis Plumbing Is There No Matter What

Marc Francis Plumbing has been around for over 25 years and has had the best workmanship and highest level of service since day one. Homeowners can trust they are receiving the best service in the industry with satisfaction guaranteed. Call today to schedule expert plumbing services!

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