Winter is here and a chill is in the air, increasing the risk of your pipes freezing or bursting. Although, San Mateo doesn’t get as cold as other regions, in our 35+ years we’ve seen it all and want to ensure that you’re always prepared.

Water has a unique property in that in cold temperatures, it expands as it moves towards a solid state. This expansion causes an increase in pressure inside your pipes. When the pressure gets too high for a pipe to contain, it breaks and will result in a serious damage.

Frozen pipes can result in a costly and chaotic situation, but there are several ways to prevent this disaster from occurring.

HOW TO AVOID PIPES FROM FREEZING?

water healer

WRAP A WATER HEATER TAPES AROUND THE PIPES

Use automatic heat tape with heavy rubber insulation around the wires. Remember, avoid using non-automatic heat tapes, as this could damage your plastic pipes. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to properly cover a pipe with heater tapes.

Use electrical wire to hold the heat tape in place. It is very important that you never cross the heat tape back over itself as this could create a fire hazard.

water drips down

LET THE WATER DRIPS DOWN

As the ice begins to melt and the pipes are already heated, turn on your faucet and let the water to flow through it. Opening the faucet relieves the water pressure that has been built up and it helps to melt the existing ice on the pipe.

Space heater

PLACE A SPACE HEATER

Another method to prevent a frozen pipe is to use a space heater. Heaters can help quickly warm the space and are able to prevent pipes from freezing. But, remember to be careful when using space heaters to warm the areas near the pipes. Don’t allow it to get too hot or place them near flammable materials that could catch fire. In addition, never leave it unattended for too long and make sure to comply with all safety measures and precautions on the heater you are using.

garage closeKEEP THE GARAGE CLOSE

Closing the garage door will ensure that the pipes located in the area are kept warm. Seal all the openings where cold air could reach your unprotected water pipes. Even a slightly opened garage door could allow enough cold air to enter your home and cause your pipes and meters to freeze. Therefore, by properly closing and sealing your garage door, it will minimize the chance that your pipes will freeze by allowing warmer air to circulate around the area.

Call for a help!

If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw your frozen pipes, call a licensed plumber. Fix the issues that a frozen pipe can cause! Experience a quality and reliable solution today! Set up an appointment with an expert that has been trusted for generations and one that guarantees top-notch workmanship and upfront, flat-rate pricing.