Every winter, homes in Louisville are damaged due to water pipes that freeze and burst.
It would be idea to address this issue when it is warm outside, but when you are moving into a new home, it is not one of the first priorities that you consider. ?If you are like most homeowners, you were busy doing exterior improvements…not interior winter preparation!
When water expands, it puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it…including metal or plastic pipes. No matter the “strength” of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break.
Pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to severe cold, including water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also subject to freezing.
By taking a few simple precautions, you can help save yourself from the mess, money and headaches of burst frozen pipes in your Louisville home.
- Insulate pipes in your home’s crawl spaces, basement and attic. Exposed pipes are more susceptible to freezing. The more insulation you use, the better the protection.
- Heat tape can be used to wrap pipes. Closely follow the manufacturer’s installation and operation instructions.
- Seal leaks and close foundation vents to minimize cold air entering your house and freezing pipes. Open vents again in the spring to prevent dry rot.
- Drain and disconnect garden hoses and insulate hose bibs. Know where your water shut-off valve is located.
Not only can bursted pipes create havoc in your home, it could indicate a need for a comprehensive energy audit to assess the leaks in your home.
