Here are 10 ways to keep your pipes from freezing even during a record cold snap.
Best way to keep pipes from freezing in attic.
Fortunately it s just as easy to protect them from the low temperatures.
In many areas of the country where homes are built on a slab foundation water supply lines are routinely routed through the attic space.
Insulate any attic pipes that transfer water.
The best way to keep your pipes from freezing is to purchase specifically designed pipe insulation.
A small pump to recirculate the water should keep it above freezing as well maybe tied into a thermostat so it only runs when the temp drops.
The best pipe insulation for your situation will depend.
A 1 copper line runs from the shut off at the street 5 below grade and into my house.
Get the pipes as low as you can in the attic normally on the roof rafters the parts that hold the ceiling drywall below.
But plumbing pipes in an unheated area such as an attic crawl space and garage are at risk of freezing.
Luckily the cold weather hasn t hit yet so you ve got some time to protect your home against flooding.
If you look up in your attic and find exposed pipes you really need to take immediate action.
You can do this with any one of six simple steps or.
There s a way to.
For severe climes opt for wrapping problem pipes with thermostatically controlled heat tape from 50 to 200 depending on length which will turn on at.
When you leave your home for an extended period of time you ll want to make sure you leave the heat on.
Drain pipes carry your water waste and are not pressurized like water pipes so freezing inside drains really isn t a concern.
Insulate pipes located in the attic and crawl space using pipe insulation even if the climate where you live does not often have hard freeze conditions you can also wrap pipes in heat tape or heat cables with a thermostat control.
Freezing in a pipe creates a lot of pressure inside the pipe and can cause the pipe to burst and likely lead to serious flooding especially when there s no one around to turn off the water.
What is the best practice to prevent the incoming water supply from freezing.
The best prevention against frozen pipes is to keep them warm enough to stay above the freezing point.
There are number of steps you can can take when learning how to keep pipes from freezing in the first place.
A local contractor recommended using a 10 pvc pipe filled with spray foam from 5 below grade all the way up and into the house to the floor.
The meter is inside the house.
3 tips to prevent leaks due to freezing attic pipes because water always flows downward freezing attic pipes that rupture are especially damaging to the living spaces below.
Often inexpensive foam pipe insulation is enough for moderately cold climates.
Leaving the heat on can prevent your pipes from freezing while you re away.