Prevent Frozen Pipes - 5 Easy DIY Tips

[@Yo-yo-dt5ze]

I live in a multi dwelling house with 5 units, we just had to deal with the pipes freezing. This is an old house with absolutely no insulation whatsoever. The floors windows and walls be cold like cement. Nobody in the building uses heat during the winter due to not liking being hot. I asked the landlord should we leaving the faucets dripping and he doesn’t recommend. He’s also trying to save on a water bill that’s already high, at this point I don’t know what to do to prevent my pipes from freezing. We had to turn the heat up the entire weekend to thaw the pipes to have them repaired. We had water but the pressure was extremely low to none, and was also told when the city came out it was water in the angle valve!

[@graceroma2723]

If I’m not home for awhile, can I turn off the water, open a tap and let the pipe empty?

[@wellspj2002]

Nice Job.

[@DIYHIPChicks]

Thanks!

[@shelby50411]

h i have water pipe under trailer freezes i know heat tape is an option however ive got lots of strings of old school incandescent christmas lights... as a test...i was windering if wrapping the pipe with the christmas lights would actually keep pipe from freezing...and its easy to inspect...if lights are on its warming the pipe what u think?...is this a stupid idea or could it actually work?

[@DIYHIPChicks]

Sorry I missed this. Well, issue is that heat tape is designed for this purpose. It generates sizable heat. Holiday lights don't create much heat or at least should not. If they do it is a fire hazard. Start with foam insulated pipe wraps. They have fiberglass insulation and foil cover to wrap along pipes. Maybe that will help before using a plug in tape

[@shelby50411]

thanks and incandescent holiday lights due produce heat

[@tipsy09]

Is all that matters is if the area around the pipes is warm enough? So if my house is heated to 21 degrees C and the power goes off. And say it’s -5 outside. I shouldn’t be worried about frozen pipes for about a few days because that’s how long it will probably take the temperature inside the house to get to freezing? Is all that matters is the interior temperature of the house?

[@DIYHIPChicks]

Well you can't do anything about the exterior. As for frozen pipes, if you are concerned about no heat and temps fall below 15F, there is risk of freezing. To avoid issues, turn off water and drain pipes by opening valve on faucet closest to water main and let run dry. I always turn off the main when we travel, even overnight.

[@GC2016awakening]

Nice thank u thumbs up

[@DIYHIPChicks]

You are so welcome! I am teaching a new class in Feb if you are interested. diyhipchicks.simplero.com/page/350876

[@davesteller6301]

Shouldn't you drip both hot and cold?

[@DIYHIPChicks]

Yes you can drip both on two handle faucet and warm on single handle

[@davesteller6301]

@@DIYHIPChicks now what about the washing machine?

[@suejuede525]

I'm 75 with health issues struggling to survive on Social security. I have not a lot of money to buy these item. Why can't one use electric heating pad to wrap pipes with

[@NLSmith-qe4sg]

The electricity might be more costly than the items they suggest. I know it is so hard on a fixed income 😢

[@DIYHIPChicks]

As with any heat wrap, the electrical costs can add up and t requires supervision to avoid fire hazards. I know it is hard to manage at times. The foam wraps do help and they are inexpensive and easy to apply. Godspeed Sue