Winter months in Indianapolis can be brutal, especially on the plumbing in your home. When temperatures drop, the possibility of pipes freezing increases. It doesn’t take much for pipes to freeze. When outside temperatures hit below 20 degrees, pipes become vulnerable to freezing. Left unprotected, pipes can burst as they thaw and cause significant damage to your property such as flooding.
Planning ahead is critical to protecting your property and reducing the chances of spending thousands of dollars to repair water damage.
Insulate and seal
Exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces and attics are susceptible to freezing if there’s no heat source in those areas. Insulating these areas is relatively inexpensive and doesn’t take much time. Find one do-it-yourself method here.
Sealing cracks near pipes where there are openings to allow cold air can also reduce the possibility of freezing pipes. Most of these openings can be found near dryer vents and electrical wiring. Caulk or insulation works to seal these openings.
The best time for these projects is before the start of winter.
Consistent temp and drip
Two simple things can make a big difference in protecting your pipes. Keep the temperature in your home the same – at least 55 degrees – during the cold months. In addition, when freezing temperatures are expected, turn on your water faucet to a drip.
If you plan to be away from home in winter, always remember to shut off the water system.
If pipes are frozen in your home...Frozen pipes should be managed by a professional plumber. If you have suspect pipes are frozen, contact L.D. Smith Plumbing immediately. You will also need to turn off the water right away. It's important to know the location of your main shutoff in case one of the pipes bursts. At least 50 percent of the time, a frozen pipe has split or cracked a fitting, but the damage will be unknown until it thaws.
The team at L.D. Smith Plumbing provides emergency service to customers. Call us at 317.927.7186 if you have a plumbing emergency such as frozen pipes.
© 2023 L.D. Smith Plumbing