Preparing Pipes for Winter
How to protect your home's plumbing system from frost damage and avoid frozen pipes.
Introduction
Latvian winters can be harsh on plumbing systems. Frozen pipes can cause serious damage and expensive repairs. In this guide, we'll cover how to properly prepare for cold weather and protect your pipes.
Step by Step
- 1
Check all outdoor pipes and faucets. Disconnect garden hoses and shut off outdoor water taps.
- 2
Insulate pipes in unheated areas - basement, attic, garage. Use proper pipe insulation.
- 3
If the house will be empty in winter, don't turn off heating completely. Maintain at least +5°C temperature.
- 4
Check wall cracks and gaps around windows and doors. Fill them to prevent cold from reaching pipes.
- 5
During severe frost, let water drip slightly from faucets - moving water freezes less easily.
Warnings
- Never try to thaw pipes with an open flame!
- If a pipe is already frozen - call a specialist.
- Check your insurance policy - not all damage may be covered.
When to Call ABA?
Call us if you notice frozen pipes, hear strange sounds in the plumbing, or need professional system winterization.
277 66 340Tools Needed
- Pipe insulation foam
- Expanding foam or sealant
- Flashlight for inspection
Pro Tip
Investing in insulation now can save thousands of euros later. One frozen pipe can flood an entire apartment.