The pipes in your home are critical to keep things running efficiently. Although winter has started to
pass, we aren’t in the clear yet. Damage may still occur within your pipes if not properly taken care of.
Know how to prevent damaged pipes, whether that is from freezing or other factors. This will save you
time and money.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

Don’t get too comfortable, foul weather is still highly possible. Take the steps to prevent frozen pipes
before they even have the chance to start. The first places that pipes will freeze are in the attic and
crawl spaces. This is because these areas will have the least insulation, exposing them further to the
outside elements. Heat cables and tape can be used to insulate these areas of the home, further
protecting your pipes.

If you know of any pipes in your home that are in immediate danger of becoming frozen, leave a
constant drip of warm water running through them. This is the easiest and most effective way to
prevent the pipes from freezing. This is mostly done in temperatures that are extreme.

Mending the Pipe

If your pipe is leaky for whatever reason, or has burst as a result of freezing temperatures, the key is to
take action immediately. These problems can be taken care of if found early on. As soon as you discover
a damaged pipe, take action. This will save you greatly.

Start out by mending the smallest leaks. These can be temporarily fixed by applying duct tape to the
spot showing the problem. Although a great solution to hold things over, this should in no way be
considered a permanent fix. Contact your local plumber to get the problem fixed beyond this point.

Another temporary solution can be found with rubber and a board. Before this can be applied to the
area of the leak, drain the pipe to make the fix. Secure this with a C-clamp before using the area once
again. This should not be used for an extended period of time. If your pipe has completely burst, call for
a plumber or straight to a disaster cleanup company. The sooner you call the easier it will be to clean up
the damaged area.

When it comes to your home, the pipes are one of the most essential parts. Make sure they are taken
care of right. Just because spring is approaching doesn’t mean all your problems are gone, be aware of
the potential dangers. Recognizing these will make spring cleaning and maintenance in your home safe
and easy.