Winter weather can be temperamental; one day it will be 60 degrees and the next it’s suddenly a chilly 25 degrees. Not only is this weather occasionally frustrating to deal with, but it can also be detrimental to your pipes if you are unprepared! 

Frozen pipe repair is avoidable! Below are the areas at high risk:

Areas At Most Risk

• Swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, outdoor hose bibs.
• Water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets.
• Pipes in exterior walls that have little to no insulation.

Preventative Measures Against Frozen Pipes

• Insulate pipes that are exposed to the elements. Insulation can be anything from a pipe sleeve to an insulated pipe wrap. Even UL-listed heat tape, heat cable, or similar material can help insulate exposed water pipes. 
• Drain water from pipes that are likely to freeze. This includes your swimming pool and sprinkler water supply lines.
• Disconnect any hoses from the outside of your home, drain the hoses and store them in the garage. Make sure to close the indoor valves supplying these outdoor access points.
• Insulate the area around vents and light fixtures. This helps prevent heat from escaping into the attic.
• Seal any wall cracks. Be sure to pay careful attention to the areas around utility service lines.
• Open kitchen cabinets. This allows the warm air to circulate around the pipes.
• Keep the garage doors closed to protect water lines.
• Keep your faucet on a steady drip; the movement will make it harder for the water to freeze.
• Keep your thermostat at the same temperature day and night. Never let it fall below 55 degrees Fahrenheit when you leave your home.
• Ensure doors and windows have proper seals.
• Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas.
• Place a 60-watt bulb in areas where you’re concerned about pipes freezing. Make sure there are no combustible materials near the bulb.
• Place a heat lamp near the pump during freezing weather. 
• If you have an older house you might have vents on the outside of your house, close these vents to keep cold air out during the colder seasons.

While some may feel comfortable thawing our their pipes, this might not always be the best option. If you are unsure, entrust the task to the professionals. Improper thawing can cause damage to the pipes and can be a fire hazard.

Contact us For Frozen Pipe Repair!

If the freezing weather catches you and your pipes off guard, call Millers Services – we are here to help! Don’t risk more pipe damage from frozen pipes; give us a call at (804) 758-4314 to set up a time for one of our service professionals to evaluate and fix the issue!