How to Keep Your Tiny House Water Pipes From Freezing

Freezing water pipes is a common scenario but a big issue. You will learn ways to prevent this issue in this article. 

For most countries, winter can cause plummeting temperatures. As a result, the water pipes in your house might freeze. A freezing pipe can burst any time as it builds up immense pressure. This is a major source of irritation for residents in Torrance, CA, as burst pipes result in significant flooding, particularly when no one is available to switch off the water. Ruptured pipes are one of the most common events leading to property damage.

Although this may raise your heating bill a little, the best prevention against this issue is to ensure the pipes stay above the freezing point. The good news is you can do this with some simple methods, such as the ones given below:  

Not Just for Cold Climates

There is a common misconception that pipes only freeze in cold climates. Moreover, it is assumed that only homes without properly insulated pipes are vulnerable. The truth is that pipe damage can also occur in warm climates.

No matter where you live, keep in mind that this does not apply to the drain pipes, only the smaller water pipes, which are usually 1 inch in diameter or smaller. Meanwhile, drain pipes are made of plastic and larger than water pipes. They mostly carry water waste and do not build up pressure, so there is no concern about water freezing inside them. However, basements, attics, and other unheated parts of the interior pose the most risks to water pipes. Pipes even on cabinets or exterior walls may freeze.

Tip #1: Keep the Heat On

If you or your family members plan to go away for a long period of time, make sure you leave the heat on. If you have tenants in Torrance, CA, you will need to convince them to do so as well, especially if they are responsible for paying their own utility bills. Maintaining heat in an empty house can seem inefficient, but it may help keep pipes from freezing. When freezing weather strikes and the pipes freeze and break, the repair costs will be very high. Putting in a bit of cash to avoid property damage will actually help you to save money in the long run. 

You don’t need to keep the heat as high as you normally keep it, but setting it at about 50F is a good idea if you’re staying in Torrance, CA. This will be enough to keep the pipes warm. For any emergency situation and in need of immediate help, you will get professional services from a plumber in Torrance. 

Tip #2: Let Faucets Drip

One way to keep your pipes from freezing is by opening the faucet slightly and allowing it to drip. This can relieve the pressure in the system. You do not have to keep all the faucets in your home running. Turning on a few in different areas during cold weather will be sufficient

A pipe bursts because of the immense pressure created from the freezing water. Running faucets maintains water flow and prevents the formation of ice blockages. If you have hot and cold water faucets, open both slightly, or set a single-handle faucet to warm.

Tip #3: Open Cabinets

Pipes often run through cabinets. Keeping the cabinet doors open can allow heat from the rest of the house and keep the pipes warm. The heated air will help prevent ice blockages that occur due to the bitter climate. If a cold front is coming through, opening up your cabinets can ensure clear and warm pipes despite the freezing temperatures. Remember to remove all chemicals or toxic substances from the cabinets if you have pets or children in your house.  

Tip #4: Seal Up Cracks and Holes

Inspect your house for any cracks or holes before winter to prevent cold air from coming inside. Check around the windows and doors and inspect cable holes in walls for television and Wi-Fi wires. Seal gaps around the sill plates, where the foundation of your house is built. Try using caulk or spray for both the exterior and interior walls of your house. This helps to block cold air from entering and increases your home’s insulation.

Tip #5: Keep Garage Doors Closed and Interior Doors Open

Keeping garage doors closed is essential as that is the coldest area of the house. Especially if there are water pipes running through your garage, keeping the doors shut will keep them from being vulnerable. On the other hand, interior doors need to be kept open to balance the temperature. Most houses have an uneven distribution of warmth, and keeping the doors open helps distribute the heat and maintain consistency. 

Tip #6: Add Extra Insulation

Most pipe areas are not properly insulated. Extra insulation is a great preventive measure to prevent pipe damage when living in Torrance, CA. Polyethylene, fiberglass, or foam are the most often used materials for pipe insulation. If cold weather is headed your way, and you need emergency insulation, try applying electrical tape directly to the pipes, especially in unheated or exterior locations. Like any heating tape, this can be dangerous, so you might want expert help. Call a plumber for advice about this. 

An insulator helps pipes stay at the optimal temperature, but it does not heat the pipe. For this, keeping your thermostat constant day and night could prevent pipes from freezing. This could cost you marginally extra, but keep in mind that a burst pipe is much more expensive than a relatively increased bill.

Frozen water pipes can be a very frustrating problem, but taking these preventive measures will reduce the chances of pipe-related disasters.