5 Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Your Ridgefield Home

RIDGEFIELD, CT — If you think this winter has been brutal so far, brace yourselves for some more icy doom and freezing gloom as the third Nor'Easter in 10 days approaches. According to The Farmer’s Almanac’s recently released 2018 winter forecast, the 200-year-old weather resource predicted that winter conditions for the Northeast, will be snowier than normal. The publication has "red-flagged" March 20-23 as the expected times for heavy precipitation in our area.

So what does this mean for you, your pipes and home heating system? It’s time to prepare to avoid disasters such as a no heat winter emergency or frozen pipes.

Mike Kerslake, owner of Comfort King in Ridgefield, says that consumers can avoid problems by regularly maintaining their heating and cooling systems.

"March is a tough month for many in our area because we get warmer highs but then the temperatures will still well below freezing. Many homeowners will ignore the possibility of frozen pipes but failing to take precautions is when problems can come up," said Kerslake.

Comfort King Energy offers the following tips to help homeowners prevent pipes from freezing during winter weather.

1. Allow faucets to trickle – Monitor the temperature when colder nights are expected, and consider opening faucets just enough to allow for a slow drip when temperatures fall below freezing.
2. Keep thermostats at least 55 degrees – Ensuring that the internal temperature of the home is above freezing will help with plumbing under sinks and vanities.
3. Open cabinet doors under sinks and vanities – Leave cabinets open that to allow the air to circulate and help warm the pipes.
4. Do an insulation check – Check attics, crawlspaces, basements and other areas that may contain plumbing is recommended to identify any potential trouble areas, and do not forget to check around the foundation as well. All gaps should be sealed and filled in with insulation.
5. Insulate pipes – Use heat cable, heat tape and pipe sleeves to add an extra level of protection against freezing temperatures.

"A pipe bursting can cause a major amount of damage in a home, including the cost of repair and recovery of the pipes and ruined carpeting or floor boards. In additions to floors, a flood can also ruin walls and belongings that may be stored in the area. Spending the time to prevent a disaster can save thousands of dollars in repairs in the long run,” said Kerslake.

For more information about heating, cooling and oil delivery services, contact Comfort King at (203) 515-8088.

Frozen pipes photo by John Bracken via Flickr Creative Commons