Your sewer lines are just as susceptible to freezing as other components in your plumbing system. It’s important to know how you can prevent this from happening to also prevent other related problems, like a frozen drain pipe. Read on to learn how to keep a drain pipe from freezing.
Homeowners spend between one and four percent of their home’s total value on repairs and maintenance each year.
There is no denying how expensive it can be to own and maintain a home. As a homeowner, your main goal should be to prevent serious repairs.
Here at the edge of the Great Plains, we can experience extremely cold winters. When that happens, your drain pipes can freeze. Once these frozen pipes start to thaw, they can burst and cause extensive water damage in your home.
Here are some helpful tips on how to prevent frozen drain pipes.
Keep the Heat On
If you leave from your home for several days during the winter, keep your heat on. By keeping the interior above 50 degrees, you can avoid frozen sewer and drain pipes. While this may increase your energy bill a bit, it’s worth the money because of the damage it prevents.
Keep Interior Doors Open
Often, plumbing pipes are located in cabinets throughout your home. As the temperature drops, leave these cabinets open. The warm air circulating heat through open interior doors will keep the pipes from freezing.
Let Faucets Drip
Are you afraid your pipes will freeze overnight due to a cold snap? Let your faucets drip to avoid it. Pipes that freeze have a lot of pressure on them. If the faucet is left open, it reduces this pressure and keeps pipes from bursting.
Seal Cracks and Holes
Before the colder temperatures of winter arrive, seal any cracks and holes to the outside. If you leave such openings unattended, they can haunt you when a pipe freezes and bursts. A high-grade caulk is a great way to get rid of them for good. Pay special attention to areas around your plumbing pipes.
Apply Heating Tape
If the plumbing pipes in your home are easily accessible, wrap heating tape around them. Electrical heating tape can be applied directly to pipes. The cost will be worth it if it keeps your pipes from bursting.
Get the Help You Need
If you need help to prepare your home for colder temperatures or to address a frozen drain pipe, a professional is your best bet. Trying to handle complex problems like these alone is a recipe for disaster.
Do you need plumbing repairs? Contact us professionals at Eyman Plumbing, Heating and Air. Call (402) 731-2727 to see how we can help!