Keeping Pipes from Freezing in your Crawl Space
If you live in an older home in Hamilton or Burlington, it is possible that you may have a crawl space. And if you do, then one of the problems that you must try to avoid, it to have the water pipes within that crawl space freeze, as this can lead to flooding and other plumbing issues that may be expensive to repair.
The reason why water pipes in crawl spaces are so prone to freezing is that these spaces allow cold air in to circulate around the pipes. The good news is, there are some simple steps that homeowners in Hamilton and Burlington can take to help prevent freezing of these pipes.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes:
- Crawl spaces have vents built into them, which you can open and close. When you know that the temperature is going to drop or be cold for some time, be sure to close these vents. Then, when the weather is warmer, you can open these vents back up to allow for air circulation and help prevent excess humidity.
- You can also help prevent freezing by insulating your pipes. Foam pipe insulation can be purchased at your local hardware store. It is inexpensive and can be effective in preventing freezing.
- If your kitchen sink is located near an outside wall, a simple trick is to open the cupboard door while there is a threat of freezing. In doing so, you will be allowing warm air from the house to circulate around the pipes, which can help prevent freezing.
- Another option is to use foam board in your crawl space. This can be placed along the edges and screwed into the frame inside the crawl space. By insulating your crawl space in this way, you will not only be helping to protect the pipes, but can also keep your home warmer.
- If you do not have insulation in your crawl space and are in a bind for time, you can also turn up the heat in your home when it is coldest outside. The heat from your home will also enter your crawl space and help to keep the pipes warmer.
- Another trick is to let a small amount of water drip from your faucets. This is not the most effective way to prevent freezing, nor is it very environmentally friendly – but it can help in a pinch.
- Another method is to place a low-watt lightbulb near the pipes in the crawl space. This should be placed near an elbow in the pipe since this is where freezing is most likely to occur.
- You can also use a small space heater to warm up the crawl space. It doesn’t have to be on a very high setting – even a tiny increase in temperature can be enough to prevent pipes from freezing.
- Finally, if you have a sprinkler system in your lawn, remember to have it winterized before the cold weather hits. To do this, you must remove all the water from the system.
Contact Conterra Foundation Today
If you need assistance with foundation repair around your crawl space or basement from your Hamilton or Burlington home, we can help. Contact Conterra Foundation today.
