A Guide To Insulating Your Pipes For Winter
Burst pipes are one of the most challenging water damage issues for homeowners to deal with. The damage isn’t always visible right away. By the time you notice the signs, your property is likely already affected severely! The best way to avoid this worst-case scenario is to enact preventative measures. One of the most common causes of a burst pipe incident is your pipes freezing, so insulating your pipes is a crucial first step to avoiding a water incident. But what’s the best way to insulate your pipes? We’ll give you some expert tips on doing this the right way below!
Choose The Right Insulation Material
There are a lot of different materials to choose from when it comes to pipe insulation. As is expected with marketed materials, there are some materials that are better than others! You should also be mindful of whether you’re trying to insulate hot or cold water pipes, as there are different materials that maximize their efficiency for both sets. Fiberglass insulation is an effective material to use for both hot and cold water pipes. So, if you’re trying to insulate everything, it’s a cost-effective choice!
Ensure Proper Sealing
You can’t just apply the insulation and walk away expecting an effective job! You need to appropriately seal the insulation to your pipes to prevent it from falling off when water travels through them. Zip ties are a foolproof adhesive for this purpose. Other great materials to use include duct tape, clamps, and adhesive-based insulation. Make sure you give them a good checkover before you close everything off. The more you can secure your pipes, the easier it will be to prevent a freeze or burst!
Schedule Regular Inspections
Even if you choose to install your pipe insulation yourself, the job isn’t foolproof. Over time, insulation and the adhesives that keep it in place become less effective at doing their jobs. To ensure that you’re getting the best possible protection, hire a plumber annually to inspect these items. They’ll be able to provide expert recommendations on what materials to use, where to apply the insulation, and how often you need to get them changed out. They’re masterminds about the cause and effect of burst pipes!
Water Damage Restoration With Soil-Away
Burst pipe incidents, like many water damage issues, often happen by accident. Regardless of the cause, immediate action is crucial for extraction and restoration. Soil-Away can answer the phone 24/7 and be at your property promptly to start restoration. We can tackle any size or scope of disaster! If you’re dealing with burst pipes, fire damage, or mold growth, click here to contact our team and get immediate assistance!
