Bursting pipes are one of the worst things that can happen to your home during winter. It creates a huge mess and can cause extensive damage. Prevent bursting pipes during MA winters by taking a few extra precautions to protect your home.
Insulate Your Pipes
Your basement will generally remain cold. Adding pipe covers can help insulate your pipes from cold temperatures. These covers are available at local hardware stores. They are pre-slit for easy and quick insulation.
Maintain Reasonable Heating Temperatures
If you’re like most people, you reduce the temperature in your home when you’re away and perhaps when you’re asleep. When it’s freezing cold, it may be best to maintain the same temperature at all times. Heat not only warms the space for your comfort, but it also heats your walls and can help reach the pipes within those walls. Extreme temperatures are more likely to penetrate those spaces in a short period of time, thereby increasing the potential for bursting pipes.
Sometimes it can help to open your kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow heat to more easily reach some of the exposed pipes. Pipes can not only burst in the basement but also in living areas. For example, a pipe may freeze in the basement but the pressure can cause a burst at the other end of the pipe, in your living space. It’s not the freezing but the pressure build-up that causes pipe bursts.
Keep the Cold Out
This really goes without saying, but keep your windows and doors closed as much as possible. This is a good practice in general to help reduce your heating expenses. It’s also a good idea to caulk any gaps in your windows and doors. If you live in an older home, you may want to go a step further and actually seal windows. Insulated curtains are another great solution, although they can be a bit pricey.
Trouble Prevent Bursting Pipes During MA Winters
If you are unable to prevent bursting pipes during MA winters, you may find yourself in a messy and stressful situation. First and foremost, immediately shut off your main water line. This will prevent any additional water from leaking into your home. For small amounts of water, you may be able to remove and clean it up on your own. For large scale issues, consider hiring a company to assist you. Be sure to also contact your homeowners insurance company.
