Winter is upon us, and so, too, is the problem of having your pipes freeze over when you least expect it. The three most common reasons why pipes freeze is due to poor insulation, quick drops in temperature, and thermostats that aren’t set high enough. However, you don’t have to immediately resign yourself to shelling out tons of money to repair your broken plumbing. With some time and effort, you can do a few things to prevent your pipes from freezing over. Here’s how.

Try Using Some Heating Cables

One great way to keep a pipe from freezing is by installing a heat cable around or along it. You can get heat cables from most electrical supply houses. If you’re not sure how to install them on your own, you may want to get a plumbing contractor to help you get it done.

Increase the Temperature in Your Home

Though you may be worried about getting a huge energy bill by turning up the thermostat, it’s a small price to pay when compared to the costs of repairing frozen pipes. To keep your heating bill from soaring too high, though, you may want to install some fiberglass or foam board to insulate the area, according to Popular Mechanics.

Shut Off the Water Whenever Possible.

If you’re really paranoid about your pipes freezing while you’re away or asleep, then your best solution would be to turn off the water during those times. In case any of your pipes do freeze, the damage will only be limited to the water that was in that specific pipe.

Seal Any Leaks You Can Find

To keep pipes from freezing, you need to prevent cold air from reaching them. That’s why you’ll need to look for any possible air leaks in your home. Try taking a good look around dryer vents and pipes as well as any areas that have electrical wiring. Seal them with insulating material or caulk to prevent any more air from coming in.

Don’t Forget Your Garage

If you have any water pipes in the garage, make sure to keep your garage doors closed to keep cold air out. Should you have a garage that’s attached to your home, you can let heat from your home into the garage, too.

If all else fails and you find yourself dealing with frozen pipes, you don’t have to solve the problem alone. It’s time to hire a reliable plumbing contractor to assist in unthawing your pipes for you. The sooner you can get your plumbing fixed, the better. For more information related to plumbing visit at Apex Plumbing and Sewer Inc. or reach them at 773-477-7714.