Your crawl space should be your main focus when freezing weather knocks on your door. Keeping your crawl space above freezing temperatures can prevent water pipes from freezing and bursting. Plumbing problems from freezing pipes can cost you thousands of dollars and the inconvenience of not having water until they are fixed.
The following are five secrets to keeping your crawl space above freezing temperatures and your plumbing intact during the cold winter months:
- Prepare for cold weather – Benjamin Franklin once said that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is as true today as it was when Franklin made the quote. Take the time to inspect your crawl space and look for leaks from your pipes. If you see a leak, have it repaired before it causes major problems. Check the doors to your crawl space to make sure they are working properly for maximum ventilation. Replace them if necessary. A narrow space with high humidity and humidity can lead to structural and plumbing problems. A small investment of as little as $ 99 can save you thousands of dollars.
- Open your cabinets – Believe it or not, your bathroom and kitchen cabinets with plumbing on the exterior walls of your home can help or hinder you with the process of protecting your pipes during cold spells. Take the time to open your cabinet doors and let the heat from your home help keep your pipes warm. Every little bit helps!
- Keep dripping! – Keep a slow drip in your taps so this prevents your pipes from freezing. Moving water is more difficult to freeze than standing water.
- Insulate your pipes – Make sure your pipes have adequate winter insulation. Over time, the insulation may have worn away from the pipes exposing them to the elements. Inspect and replace any insulation that is worn or missing.
- Crawlspace covers are the key – Inspect your crawl space access for structural damage that could cause cold air to enter your crawl space and cause potential problems. Replace them if necessary, and if you don’t have one, I suggest you buy one. For less than ten dollars, it will be one of the best investments to help keep your house and pipes safe.
So enter this winter knowing that your pipes are protected from the elements. By following the five secrets to keeping your plumbing safe, you will save thousands of dollars in repair bills and get peace of mind.
