Plumber shares tips to protect pipes from freezing weather
Local expert recommends insulation, running water to prevent busted pipes during winter storm
NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - With winter weather moving in, protecting pipes should be top of mind for homeowners preparing for the storm.
Charles Robinson at Eagle Plumbing Repairs and Drain Cleaning in Kenner said the first step is to insulate any exposed outdoor pipes.
“The worst thing to do is nothing,” Robinson said.
Insulation options for outdoor pipes
Robinson recommends insulating exposed outdoor pipes, including hose bibs and house faucets. Homeowners can buy pipe wrapping kits at home improvement stores, but pool noodles also work to insulate them. In a pinch, rags can work, too.
“People put towels on pipes and things, I’ve seen all kind of different things, but the actual pipe insulators (are) the best option to protect the pipes from the elements, especially if it’s a raised home,” Robinson said.
That includes pipes that are part of a pool system, though Robinson said with water running, it decreases the chance of busted pipes.
Indoor pipe protection
Robinson said indoor pipes don’t need to be wrapped, but homeowners should leave two separate faucets running — one on the cold side and the other on the hot side.
He said he first learned to trickle hot water during a freeze a few years ago, when he kept getting calls about hot-water lines bursting.
“Your hot water heater if it’s in your garage and you have a secondary bathroom that’s the furthest away in the house or the faucet that’s the further away from the water heater, then turn the tap on that particular faucet,” Robinson said.
Freeze Miser device
Robinson said a plumbing product on the market can also prevent pipes from bursting. The Freeze Miser works by regulating water flow. To begin, homeowners screw it onto an outside faucet and turn the water on.
“It’s going to automatically activate itself and then it’s going to cause a trickle from the Freeze Miser to keep water moving throughout the water system,” Robinson said. “I have no idea who created this, but this is absolutely amazing.”
The devices are sold at hardware and home improvement stores and are a good option for anyone unable to prep the traditional way.
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