Typically, when water freezes, it spreads out or expands. That explains why a can of juice bursts out if it is put in a refrigerator for quite a long time. When water freezes or solidifies in a pipe, it enlarges in a similar way. Too much expansion causes the pipe to burst and water seeps out and the homeowner is hit with a costly invoice. Regardless of how cold it becomes, there are a number of precautions every homeowner should take into account to steer clear of frozen pipes.

Plumbing pipes should be kept out of subfreezing temperatures

Plumbing pipes should be installed in heated areas and far from attics or other spaces susceptible to external walls. Generally, water freezes whenever heat contained in the water is shifted to cold air very quickly. The truth is that few pipes can endure the extremely cold winter months without suitable installation, regardless of how strong they may be. When building or refurbishing your home, make sure the plumbing company whom you have hired to perform the plumbing installation actually install your water pipes far away from the exteriors or adjacent to any walls that may experience an additional waft during the cold months. Further to that, heating tapes should be run across water pipes installed in spaces prone to subfreezing temperatures. This may help slow down the heat transfer.

Allow cabinets doors to stay open

Although it may be a nuisance as you walk around your bathroom or kitchen, it is advisable according to plumbing experts to keep cabinets unlocked during the cold months so the warm air inside the room can come into contact with the cold pipes. It may seem a trivial thing to do; however, any prospect of providing your water pipes with additional warmth ought to be highly embraced.

Seal holes and cracks around the home

Irrespective of how modern or conventional your house may be, chances are that you have a few wires, pipes and cords that run across the wall and may be exposed to external temperatures. Any holes or cracks adjacent to water pipes should be completely sealed. Make sure you allow enough space for the pipes to pass through, however, and seal any additional space you make out.

Preventative maintenance is highly recommended rather than reactive. By simply following the above-mentioned precautions as recommended by a host of professional plumbing companies, homeowners can avoid frozen pipes. You can also contact professional plumbers, like those from The Plumbing Company, for more information and tips.