While you can lay insulation over some tapes, others might cause the insulation to catch fire. Always read the safety information before installing the tape. Alternatively, you could use a heated reflector lamp in a dry enclosed space. On cold nights, check the light to see that it is working. [2] X Research source
When the temperature drops below freezing, leave doors to cabinets or closets with plumbing open at night. This will allow warmer air to circulate, preventing them from freezing. Insulation alone doesn’t prevent freezing. It only slows down the transfer rate of heat to cold. [3] X Research source
If you’re concerned about a fire hazard, keep the cabinet doors beneath the kitchen and bathroom sinks open to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
This method requires that the valve be installed at a higher level (usually the second or third floor) than the water heater. Circulating water throughout your system non-stop will also increase your water heating bill. [5] X Research source
Gauge the effectiveness of your chosen set point by opening cold water faucets upstream and feeling how cool or warm the water is coming out the tap. Adjust the set point accordingly until optimized. You’ll achieve an optimized set point when cool or warm water stays in the cold water pipes or the portion of pipe requiring protection. If you own a tankless on-demand water heater, you’ll need the TL4000 series model rather than the more common ATC3000. During off seasons when you don’t need circulation, lower the temperature set point.
If you receive well water, turn off its electrical switch to prevent the well from pumping water inside. [9] X Research source
The dishwasher The washing machine The ice maker on the refrigerator Look for this valve either under the sink or in the basement. [10] X Research source
Make sure the motor is running normally. Check the pipe for evidence of freezing or clogging. Clean the discharge line. Call a plumber if all else fails. [12] X Research source
You can also replace your faucet with one that prevents the water inside the house from reaching the cold exterior. These frost-free spigots are level with the connecting pipe. [14] X Research source Another option is to get a hose bib vacuum breaker from a hardware store. These screw directly onto the existing faucet to prevent contamination and freezing.
Wrap it in foam rubber insulation. Open the faucet to drain any excess water from the connecting pipes. Replace it with a spigot that shuts off the supply of water to pipes in the walls. [15] X Research source
If water flows from some faucets but not others, the problem might be in a pipe connected to a specific faucet or a pipe on one side of the house. Check pipes in uninsulated walls first. Keep all frozen taps open until water starts to flow. Then, lower the water to a trickle. [19] X Research source
Space heaters, heat lamps, and reflective lamps can generate high temperatures, which might cause flammable materials to combust. If you need to place a heat source under the kitchen sink, remove all chemicals first. [21] X Research source Never put heaters in crawl spaces or in small spaces. These could cause a fire.
