There are a few household mishaps that can rise to the level of being catastrophes, and frozen pipes that have burst because of built-up pressure is certainly one of them.

Before sub-zero temperatures grip Southwestern Ohio, take steps to prevent the pipes in your home from freezing—and in doing so, sidestep what could be a prohibitively costly repair.

Start by wrapping insulation around plumbing pipes that you can access in outside walls, attics and crawl spaces. These pipes are most prone to freezing because they are closest to outdoor air. If in doubt, choose the thickest insulation possible; the extra cost will be worth your peace of mind. Or consider wrapping your pipes in heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables.

Sealing air leaks also helps to prevent conditions that lead to frozen pipes. Use caulk to seal any holes and cracks in outside walls around your home. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring and dryer vents, too, and use caulk to keep these areas airtight. During a blast of severe cold, even a tiny crack can be a conduit that causes a pipe to freeze.

Considering this reality, take the extra precaution of leaving kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open—especially for cabinets that abut an outside wall. If you've ever opened one of these doors and felt a rush of cold air, you'll appreciate how this one small act will help keep warm air circulating around your pipes.

As an Ohioan, you should be extra vigilant about frozen pipes, especially when the temperature (or the temperature with the wind-chill index) falls to 20 degrees. At this point, let your faucets drip ever so slightly, as even a slight drip of water will help relieve water pressure, which will help prevent pipes from freezing and then bursting.

If you turn on a faucet and no water comes out, don't take chances. Shut off the main valve to your home's water supply, leave faucets throughout the home open, and call a plumber. The experts at Tri-County Heating & Cooling are happy to help you with all of your home's heating and cooling needs. Give us a call today!

Frozen faucet image via Shutterstock.