When temperatures drop below zero, water pipes become particularly vulnerable. Water that freezes inside can cause expansion and create cracks, or even pipe bursts. This state of affairs sometimes causes significant damage to a home. To avoid these inconveniences, some simple and effective measures can be put in place.
Strengthen the insulation of exterior walls crossed by pipes
Exterior walls are often the first to suffer the cold, especially when they are poorly insulated. If ducts pass through these walls, their insulation should be strengthened. Insulating panels, extruded polystyrene or ecological materials such as wood wool can be used. Good insulation limits heat loss and protects the pipes from icy air.
Use insulating ducts on pipes in unheated areas
In places such as cellars, garages or attics, pipes are particularly exposed. By covering them with insulating foam or rubber sleeves, the risk of frost is considerably limited. These sheaths are easy to install and available in different sizes to adapt to the diameters of the pipes.
Unplug the garden hoses and protect the outside taps
As winter approaches, it is essential to unplug all garden hoses, empty them and store them in the shelter. External taps, on the other hand, must be drained and protected with insulating caps or specific covers. If the system allows it, we even recommend cutting off the water supply that leads to the outside.
Maintain a minimum temperature of 13 °C in the annexes
Even if some rooms are little used in winter, we recommend not allowing the temperature to drop below 13 °C, especially in the annexes containing pipes. This prevents the ambient temperature from becoming critical for the installations. A small auxiliary heater or a well-adjusted thermostat may be enough to protect the pipes from freezing.
Adopting smart technology solutions
The home automation systems now offer solutions to monitor and prevent the risks of frost. Temperature or humidity detectors can be installed near the pipes. In the event of an abnormal drop, an alert is sent to your phone. Some devices even go so far as to automatically activate the heating of a room or a pipe to avoid freezing.
A few more tips
In addition to the measures developed above, some additional tips may also be useful to you :
- Let a thin stream of water run during the coldest nights;
- Open the closet doors under the sinks, especially those against external walls ;
- Use electric heating tape on risky pipes.
Preventing pipe freezing in winter does not require major work, but rather vigilance and a little anticipation. With a combination of insulation, vigilance and modern technologies, you can get through the winter with peace of mind, without fear of unpleasant surprises in your pipes.