7 Tips on How to Prevent Water Lines from Freezing

During the fall and early winter, the things that occupy most of our minds are tailgating, trick or treat, Thanksgiving or Christmas and Hanukkah. Lots of cool evenings around the fire pit with friends and family and holidays that need preparation. A valuable resource that also needs time and preparation for the extreme Waterford, Michigan cold are your water lines. Frozen pipes can create inconvenient and possibly expensive problems for homeowners. According to data from Michigan.gov, approximately 250,000 homes are damaged every year because of frozen pipes. 

December is here, and so are the low temperatures. Now is the time to ensure that both copper and PVC pipes are protected. To help make what may seem a daunting task a little easier, Kotz Heating, Cooling & Plumbing offers the following 7 tips to prevent the pipes inside or outside your home from freezing.

• Insulation can be a game-changer for frozen pipe prevention. The pipes in crawl spaces and attics are most prone to freezing, so be sure to tackle them immediately.
• Unhook any garden hoses from the outside faucets. If possible, turn off the water and drain the pipes that supply water to those areas. Place insulated covers on the hose bibbs.
• Heat tape or thermostatically-controlled heat cables are great for wrapping pipes. Make sure you have both indoor and outdoor where needed and use only products that have been independently approved for safety.
• Seal any holes, cracks or any areas that allow outside air in, especially around pipes. 
• If you have a landscaping irrigation system, it’s vital that it’s been winterized. If not, take care of this immediately.
• If very cold temperatures are in the forecast, open cabinet doors under sinks to allow the warm indoor air to circulate around the pipes. Also, allowing faucets to trickle keeps water moving and will aid in preventing frozen pipes. 
• If you must be away from your residence, keep your thermostat set at 55 degrees Fahrenheit or above.

Call Kotz to Help With Your Frozen Pipes or Plumbing Needs Today

If you even suspect your pipes may have frozen, don’t take chances of a major water challenge. Call one of the licensed and professionally trained plumbers at Kotz Heating, Cooling & Plumbing right away. We offer emergency service 24/7 at 248-574-4100.

Never touch any electric devices or appliances that are in standing water, and NEVER attempt to thaw frozen pipes yourself with an open flame. The results could be disastrous.