Preventing Frozen Pipes: A Few Inexpensive Ways to Avoid a Costly Repair

We have all experienced frozen pipes, or know someone who has. While in some cases, the problem can be fixed fairly inexpensively, it is still extremely inconvenient and very time consuming to remedy the problem once it has presented itself. Here are some ways to prevent pipes from freezing before it becomes a problem.

Electrical Heat Tape

For problem pipes or if you live in a manufactured home where they are exposed to cold weather either outside of the house or under the house, the best preventive measure is installing electrical heat tape. This tape can be purchased in any hardware store and is relatively inexpensive and easy to install. The tape itself has a plastic outer surface and is lined with fiberglass insulation.

A wire runs the length of the tape and the end is plugged into any outlet. It is smart to use a weather proof extension cord and plug that into your outlet. Wrap the tape and wire around your pipes, taking care to overlap each wrap slightly. Use electrical tape to secure any loose ends, then plug it in.

For pennies a day you can leave the electrical heat tape plugged in year round and never again worry about freezing pipes. To ensure continued satisfaction, check your tape around exposed pipes regularly and replace torn or detached areas because one exposed area can trigger several feet of pipe to freeze within a couple of hours.

Ice-Loc Passive Freeze Protection

This fairly new product works extremely well in problem areas where pipes are more likely to freeze. It is a tube made of special foam that compresses when ice on the pipe begins to expand. This allows extra space in the pipe for new water to flow while preventing the ice from expanding and bursting the pipe. For information on this product contact your local hardware store.

FREEZ-WARN Signal Light

This anti-freezing product is used by placing a sensor near the heat thermostat. If the household temperature falls below a pre-set reading an inner switch closes and the warning signal flashes either yellow or alternating yellow and red.

The signal is attached to the sensor by a twenty foot extension cord so the flashing light can be placed in a highly visible area for residents or neighbors to see. The result is a warning that the home is reaching potentially freezing temperatures so that preventive action can be taken. For information on this product send an email to info@freezevalve.com.

Some Other Tips to Prevent Pipes From Freezing

1. During cold weather, allow a main faucet in the middle of your house or one faucet on each end of the house to drip slightly.

2. Open main cabinet doors to allow heat from inside the house to circulate around your pipes.

3. Insulate any problem pipes with insulated tape found in any hardware store.

4. Use a space heater to maintain a minimum temperature of 40 degrees in crawl spaces and any other area where the exposed pipes could freeze. Be sure to use a space heater that has a safety feature which automatically turns the unit off if it tips over.