How to Take Care of your Pipes in Winter

The cold weather is coming, and you can save yourself a lot of time and energy by being proactive and protecting your home against the winter cold. One of the biggest concerns a homeowner has to worry about in the winter is their water pipes freezing. Because of the way homes are built, pipes are put in the outside walls, which makes them vulnerable to the cold. You can help keep them warm and the water flowing with the following tips. Our team at Greenwood Hardware has just what you need to be prepared for a cold winter!

• Pipe Foam Insulation

This is a quick and easy installation that can be used on exposed pipes under your sink or in the basement. The foam is a cylinder shape with a splice down one side to make it easy to slide over a pipe. The foam can be removed easily if you need to work on the pipes.

• Pipe Wrap

This is a tape you use to wrap pipes that are prone to freeze. It is a layer of insulation wrapped around the length of the pipe that can help prevent freezing.  Depending on what type of tape you buy, it isn’t actually a tape. You will need to use duct tape or electrical tape to keep the wrap in place on the pipe.

• Fiberglass Insulation

This is the pink stuff that can be a bit of a pain to work with, but it is cheap and effective. You can buy a single roll and cut it with a utility knife. Wrap the insulation around the area where the pipes are and use duct tape to hold it in place. Make sure you wear gloves and be careful not to inhale the fibers. If you have a large area of exposed pipe, this is going to be the most cost-effective solution.

Insulating pipes can prevent a big disaster this winter if the pipes freeze and then thaw. A burst pipe is a big deal and can cause serious damage to your home as well as leave you without water until the pipes can be fixed! Head to Greenwood Hardware today to pick up the supplies you need to insulate your home’s pipes. Come on in, or contact us today.