Keys to Preventing Freezing Pipe Bursts

Are you afraid of pipe bursts in your Orlando home? Although we’re called the Sunshine State, the fact is that our homes are still prone to problems due to the winter season. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of quick fixes for your susceptible pipes:

Turn Up the Heat

Many older homes were constructed atop an uninsulated crawl space, where pipes are exposed and can quickly become frozen when the temperature drops. Counteracting this by turning up the thermostat a bit. You’ll sacrifice some energy savings, but it’s worth it.

Drain Excess Water

It’s obvious that the more standing water you have in your pipes, the more likely you are to experience freezing. You can easily prevent this by draining your pipes of any excess water.

Insulate Your Exposed Pipes

Any exposed pipes in your home can lead to bursts, so it’s essential that you protect them. Insulation is the key solution here. Pick up some strips of insulation and cut them to the proper form with a utility knife.

Pick Up a Space Heater

Most people use space heaters to give them a quick reprieve from the cold. They serve another purpose, however — they can be used to warm up exposed pipes in danger of bursting.

Use a Heating Cable

The installation of a heating cable can keep your pipes toasty. They work by either being wrapped around the pipes or laid alongside them, and plugged into the wall. You may need to put the kit together, but some types come ready straight from the package.

Watch Your Outdoor Spigot

Now that you’ve concentrated on some indoor tips for preventing pipe bursts, you need to switch your attention outdoors. The fact is that outdoor spigots are prone to freezing, so if the weather is especially cold, turn off the water going to the outdoor spigot.

If you need more advice on how to prevent pipe bursts, or have any other questions related to home comfort, please reach out to the professionals at Rinaldi’s Energy Solutions. We’ve been serving the needs of Orlando and the surrounding area since 1969.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Orlando, Florida and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

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