With winter just around the corner, we know that frozen pipes in Calgary, AB, are a major concern for many of you. Don’t worry—Precision Plumbing has your back! Let’s explore how to prevent those pesky frozen pipes and keep your home safe and warm all winter.
Why Frozen Pipes Are a Big Deal in Calgary, AB
With winter just around the corner, we know that frozen pipes in Calgary, AB, are a major concern for many of you. Don’t worry—Precision Plumbing has your back! Let’s explore how to prevent those pesky frozen pipes and keep your home safe and warm all winter.
Why Frozen Pipes Are a Big Deal in Calgary, AB
Freezing water causes the pipes to break. Fixing burst pipes right away is very important to keep water damage from getting worse. Before we jump into prevention, let’s talk about why frozen pipes in Calgary, AB, are such a headache.
- They disrupt your daily routine (no water, anyone?)
- They can lead to costly repairs and replacements
- They might cause flooding in your home
Trust us! Preventing frozen pipes is way easier (and cheaper) than dealing with the aftermath of a burst pipe!
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Calgary, AB
Insulate, Insulate, Insulate!
Your pipes need a cozy jacket, too! Cold weather can lead to plumbing issues, such as burst pipes due to water freezing inside them. Insulating your pipes, especially those in unheated areas like basements, attics, and crawl spaces, is your first defense against freezing. Here’s what you can do:
- Use foam pipe insulation sleeves
- Wrap pipes with heat tape (but be careful and follow instructions!)
- Don’t forget about pipes in exterior walls
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to improve air circulation and allow heat to reach the pipes behind them, which is important in preventing pipe freezing, especially in older homes
Keep the Heat Flowing to Prevent Frozen Pipes
When the temperature drops, your heating system becomes your best friend in preventing pipes from freezing. Here are some tips:
- Set your thermostat to at least 55°F (13°C), even when you’re away
- Keep interior doors open to allow warm air circulation
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to let warm air reach the pipes
Let Your Faucet Drip
Letting your faucet drip when it’s cold outside can prevent pipes from freezing. Here’s why:
- Moving water is less likely to freeze
- It relieves pressure in the system if ice starts to form
A pencil-width stream from one or two faucets can make a big difference!
Seal Up Those Drafts
Sealing drafts can also prevent frozen and burst pipes, a common issue that affects approximately 250,000 homes annually. Early detection and professional repair services can help avoid costly damages. Take some time to:
- Seal gaps around pipes that pass through walls or floors
- Caulk around electrical wiring entrances
- Weather-strip around doors and windows
Don’t Forget the Outdoors
Your outdoor plumbing needs love, too! Here’s what to do:
- Disconnect and drain garden hoses
- Close interior valves supplying outdoor hose bibs
- Open outside hose bibs to allow water to drain
- Consider installing frost-proof hose bibs
Know Your Plumbing System
Understanding your home’s plumbing layout can help you identify problem areas:
- Locate your main water shut-off valve (everyone in the family should know where this is!). Turning off the main shut-off valve can prevent further complications while allowing faucets to remain open to quicken thawing.
- Identify pipes that run along exterior walls
- Know which areas of your home are prone to freezing
What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze: Thaw Frozen Pipes
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, pipes still freeze. This is a common issue during winter months when temperatures drop significantly. If this happens:
- Turn off the main water supply immediately
- Open all faucets to relieve pressure
- Begin thawing pipes (more on this below)
- Call us at Precision Plumbing for professional help
Thawing Frozen Pipes Safely
If you decide to thaw frozen pipes yourself, remember:
- Never use open flames or electrical appliances directly on pipes, as this can result in severe hazards, as exemplified by an incident in Calgary
- Use a hairdryer, heat lamp, or electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe
- Start closest to the faucet and work your way down to the coldest section
Preventative maintenance is crucial to avoid the issue of frozen pipes altogether.
When to Call the Pros
While prevention is key, sometimes you need expert help. Call us if:
- You can’t locate the frozen area
- The frozen pipe is not accessible
- You’re not comfortable thawing the pipe yourself
- There’s any sign of a burst pipe
Precision Plumbing is available 24 hours a day to help with emergency frozen pipe repair in Calgary. Our licensed professionals can diagnose and solve your problems with the frozen pipes quickly, so you avoid much potential damage to your home. As a result of excessive pressure caused by an ice blockage, frozen pipes could lead to a pipe bursting; therefore, it is vital that you seek professional help to avoid costly repairs and further complications.
Take Action Against Frozen Pipes in Calgary, AB Today!
Don’t wait for the cold snap to hit! Take action now to protect your home from pipes frozen due to low temperatures. Whether you need help insulating your plumbing, want a professional inspection, or have questions about preventing frozen pipes in Calgary, we’re here. Give us a call at Precision Plumbing today. Our friendly team is ready to help you winterize your home and give you peace of mind all season.