With temperatures dropping in the Finger Lakes, frozen pipes are a major risk for Seneca Falls homeowners. A burst pipe can cause thousands of dollars in water damage in just minutes. Here are three simple steps you can take today to protect your home.
Step 1: Insulate Exposed Pipes Check your basement, attic, and crawlspaces for any pipes running along exterior walls. Use foam pipe insulation (available at any local hardware store) to wrap these lines. This simple barrier can keep the water inside just warm enough to prevent freezing.
Step 2: Let the Faucets Drip When the temperature is forecasted to stay below freezing, turn on your faucets just enough to allow a very slow drip. Moving water is much harder to freeze, and this also relieves pressure in the system if a freeze does start to occur elsewhere in the line.
Step 3: Seal Up Air Leaks Look for small gaps or cracks near where pipes enter the home. Cold air whistling through a tiny hole can act like a blowtorch of ice directly onto your plumbing. Use caulk or spray foam to seal these gaps and keep the cold air out.
When to Call a Pro If you turn on your faucet and only a trickle comes out, or if you suspect a pipe has already frozen, do not try to thaw it with an open flame. You could cause a fire or a sudden burst.
Need Help Winterizing? If you aren’t comfortable climbing into the crawlspace or need help replacing an outdoor frost-free faucet, I’m here to help.