Let’s face it, no one wants to deal with the damages, expenses, and messes caused by burst pipes. So, what causes these pipes to burst during the winter? The basic answer is that the water coming in to the house from outside is much colder than it was during the summer months. The cold water causes your pipes to contract and in weaker parts, can cause the pipe to burst.

There are no practical ways of heating the ground temperature around your home, so stopping the contraction caused by the cold water is not something you can control. Our advice is to be mindful of your plumbing and sewer service as the temperatures change and check to see if you have any leaks. While we can’t stop the leaks caused by temperature drops, there are things you can do to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.

Precautions You Can Take To Avoid Burst Pipes:
If it is extremely cold outside,always keep one or two faucets running slowly. Water moving through the system should prevent the line from freezing. Often, the pipes that freeze are located near an outside wall or a window, so be sure to direct warm air to any colder areas of your home. (Start in your basement and look for any pipes near the exterior of the home.)

If your kitchen sink is on an outside wall (as it usually is), be sure to leave cabinet doors open to allow warm air into the cabinet. It is ok to leave your kitchen faucet on during extremely cold weather.

Be sure to disconnect your hose from the outside faucet. If you leave your hose connected, water is not able to drain out of your hose bib and will freeze and break the device.

There is a product called heat tape that can be installed and will warm pipes as needed during cold weather. While you could do this yourself, you may want to consult with an Indianapolis plumber to learn some best practices. Seal leaks that allow cold air into your home where pipes are located. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes. Use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out. With severe cold, even a tiny opening can let in enough cold air to cause a pipe to freeze. Prevent temperatures from dropping below 32 degrees in any areas of your home where water lines are located.

If you’re dealing with a burst pipe or water leaks, contact Ready Plumbers. Our skilled plumbers have experience with sewer line repair and repiping services as well as dealing with water lines. We quickly diagnose the issue before creating customized solution plans. We’ll happily explain and answer all of your questions so that you can make an informed decision about your home. Additionally, we make sure to treat you with the respect you deserve by always being on time, being courteous, and getting the job done right the first time.