When winter temperatures drop, one costly problem homeowners might face is frozen pipes. Burst pipes can cause extensive water damage and expensive repairs both outside and inside your home —but with the right precautions, you can prevent this issue altogether. At KVA Mechanical Ltd., if you do suffer from a leak due to a burst pipe our licensed plumbers offer many plumbing services!
Here’s how you can protect your pipes before a deep freeze sets in:
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Pipes located in unheated areas—like uninsulated basements, crawl spaces, or garages—are especially vulnerable to freezing. Wrap them with foam insulation sleeves or electric heat tape to keep them warm. Even a small amount of insulation can make a huge difference in maintaining steady water flow during freezing weather.
2. Seal Drafts and Openings
Cold air can sneak into your home through gaps or cracks around windows, doors, and foundation walls. Check for drafts near plumbing lines and seal them with caulk or insulation foam. This helps maintain a consistent temperature and reduces the risk of frozen pipes.
3. Keep a Consistent Indoor Temperature
When you’re away from home—or even at night—avoid letting the thermostat drop too low. Keeping your heat at a steady minimum of 16°C helps prevent your pipes from freezing. For added protection when you are away, open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing lines.
4. Let Faucets Drip Slightly
Allowing a slow trickle of water to flow from your faucets can keep water running, and prevent freezing and potential bursts in extreme cold.
If you are concerned about wasting water, place a container under the dripping faucet to collect it for plants or household use.
5. Know Where Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve Is
If a pipe does freeze and burst, shutting off the main water valve quickly can minimize damage. Make sure everyone in your household knows where it’s located and how to use it.
Stay Ahead of Winter Plumbing Problems
Protecting your pipes now means peace of mind all winter long. If you’re unsure about your plumbing system’s condition or need professional winterization services, contact KVA Mechanical Ltd. today. Our licensed technicians can inspect, insulate, and prepare your home to handle even the harshest cold snaps.
Stay warm, stay safe—call KVA Mechanical at (250) 554 0505 for expert plumbing protection this winter.