As winter approaches in Ohio, homeowners need to gear up for colder temperatures and potential plumbing challenges. One of the most common winter plumbing nightmares in the Buckeye State is dealing with frozen pipes.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss essential tips to prevent frozen pipes and protect your plumbing during the chilly months.
Don’t wait until it’s too late—proactive maintenance is the key to avoiding costly plumbing emergencies.
The Perils of Frozen Pipes in Ohio
Ohioans are no strangers to harsh winters, with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. This makes frozen pipes a prevalent issue for homeowners. When water inside pipes freezes, it expands, putting immense pressure on the pipe walls. This pressure can lead to cracks or bursts, resulting in water damage and costly repairs.
5 Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes
Here are five tips to prevent frozen pipes in Ohio during winter:
Insulate Exposed Pipes
One of the most effective ways to prevent frozen pipes is by insulating them. Pipes located in unheated areas such as basements, crawlspaces, or attics are especially vulnerable. Cover exposed pipes with foam pipe insulation or heat tape. This added layer of protection helps keep the pipes above freezing.
Maintain a Steady Indoor Temperature
Maintaining a consistent indoor temperature is crucial during the winter months. Even when you’re away from home, don’t set your thermostat too low. Keeping your home at a steady temperature minimizes the risk of pipes freezing. If you’re going on vacation, keep the indoor temperature no lower than 55°F (13°C).
Properly Shut off Outdoor Faucets
Outdoor faucets and hoses are susceptible to freezing. Disconnect hoses and drain any water from outdoor faucets before winter. Install faucet covers to provide extra insulation and protect against the cold.
Let Faucets Drip
On exceptionally cold nights, allow the faucets to drip slightly. This continuous flow of water can prevent pipes from freezing by relieving pressure. It’s a small measure that can make a big difference in preventing frozen pipes.
Seal Leaks and Cracks
Don’t overlook the importance of sealing any visible leaks or cracks in your home’s exterior walls or foundation. Even tiny openings can allow frigid air to infiltrate, putting your pipes at risk. Use caulking or insulation to seal these gaps and keep the cold air out.
Ohio winters can be brutal, but with proper preparation, you can protect your plumbing from the perils of frozen pipes. Remember to insulate exposed pipes, maintain a consistent indoor temperature, shut off outdoor faucets, let faucets drip, and seal leaks and cracks during extreme cold. By following these tips to prevent frozen pipes, you’ll save yourself the headache and expense of dealing with plumbing emergencies. Don’t wait until winter sets in—start preparing your plumbing today!
How Plumbing 911 Can Help
Plumbing 911 is a reputable plumbing firm made up of professionals. Plumbing 911 offers full service for both residential and commercial properties, including everyday maintenance and emergency needs. Our professionals are skilled in fixing clogged drains and toilets, leaky and damaged faucets and pipes, low water pressure, running toilets, sump pumps, and water heaters. For a free inspection in your area, call Plumbing 911 at 1-866-720-0911, schedule an appointment today, or send an email. We cover Cuyahoga East, Cuyahoga West, Medina, Summit, Stark, Lake, and Geauga.
