Experts are sharing tips on how to avoid costly repairs over a burst pipe.
ARKANSAS, USA — As cold temperatures are expected to make their way to Arkansas, experts are giving advice on ways you can avoid some frozen pipes.
“If they’re not insulated properly and if the pipe is not at the correct theft that’s also going to freeze. 18 inches and below is what we like them to be over here,” David Cruz, a plumber for Paschal Air, Plumbing, and Electric said. “If they’re exposed, water heater closet is definitely going to be more at risk. Also, under sinks or behind outside walls.”
Cruz explained that a kitchen sink, usually by a window, is going to be at risk more than any other plumbing in the house.
Insulation is very important especially with the outdoor pipes. If your pipes do freeze, it’s helpful to know where your water shut-off valves are and how to use them.
“First, make sure your water is on, and if you do have a freeze, then open up the cabinets, let the heat get in there, turn the heat up higher if you need to. If that’s not helping out, then definitely call a professional,” Cruz said, adding that he leaves his house at 72 to keep pipes in his house from getting too cold.
Additionally, Cruz recommends putting insulation on pipes if you have a water heater in the garage.
Cruz also recommends disconnecting your water hose from the outdoor faucet,
“Anytime I go to a house, the water hose is still connected to the faucets. We cannot leave it like that. It will freeze,” Cruz said.
An easy way to protect your outdoor faucet from freezing is a plastic foam faucet cover that only costs around $4.
“You put it over your faucet, and it just keeps that wind from blowing down your pipe and getting to your crawl space and potentially freezing them,” said Tyler Smith, who works at Crossover Hardware and Rental.
He said as the temperatures get colder, they’ll start seeing more customers.
“The first time we get a first freeze, we’ll get a flood of people,” Smith said. “We’ll bring out a huge pallet of ice melt. And that’s usually the first thing goes the ice melt, and then the pipe insulation.”
Smith also recommends pipe insulation, especially for those exposed pipes.
“They’re literally just like sticky pool noodles. You put them right on your pipes. It keeps them insulated. It keeps that wind off them, and it’s gonna keep anything from freezing in your pipes,” Smith said.
Cruz and Smith both agreed that spending a little money to “winterize” your home is better than spending a lot on repairs.
“You’re thinking about all the drywall, carpet, flooring that can get damaged that’s anywhere from $1,000 to up to $15,000 just depending on what all the damages cost,” Cruz said.
“It’s always going to make it easier on your life if you do a little winter prep,” Smith added.
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