Last Updated on June 6, 2023
Pipes freeze most often when exposed to frigid temperatures for extended periods. This can lead to bursting, resulting in costly water damage.
To limit this potential damage, homeowners can take preventative steps. This blog post will share some proven methods to avoid frozen pipes, including the following: 1. Insulate Your Pipes.
Table of Contents
Keep Your Tobaccos Fresh
It’s best to buy pipe tobacco in small amounts and keep it in a safe storage container. This will help to ensure that it is always fresh and damp.
The best containers are metal tins or high-quality, BPA-free plastic. Alternatively, glass jars with tight lids, like the Le Parfait mason jars designed for storing preserves, make great options.
It is essential to understand that pipe tobacco is delicate and needs to be stored appropriately. If it is too moist, it will lose its flavor and become sour. If it is too dry, it won’t be easy to smoke.
Many people use rudimentary techniques to introduce moisture to tobacco, such as placing an apple slice or carrot inside the bag. While these methods can work, there are more effective methods that can introduce contaminants to your tobacco. A more reliable method is slowly warming the pipes and containers with a hair dryer. This is safer than using open flame devices, such as kerosene heaters or blow torches, and will not cause the ice to boil.
Keep Your Pipe Clean
Pipes require regular cleaning to keep them smelling fresh and tasting great. Whether made of ceramic, metal, or glass, you should clean them at least every day (or two) to eliminate the sticky residue that builds up over time. A good cleaning routine includes a brush, pipe cleaners, Q-tips, and paper towels to scrub nooks and crannies that can’t be reached with regular brushes. Rinsing them thoroughly afterward will also help with stains that won’t come off with regular rinsing.
Remove any obvious debris from the bowl and mouthpiece to clean your freeze pipe. Then, place your pipe into a zip-lock bag or other resealable container and pour in isopropyl alcohol and a couple of teaspoons of coarse salt. Seal the bag and leave it to soak for about 12 hours — overnight is even better. You can also try cleaning your pipes with cleaning solutions that fizz, as the bubbles will work to break down resin and clean hard-to-reach spots.
Keep Your Faucets Open
During a harsh cold snap, it can be easy for pipes to freeze. While homeowners’ insurance usually covers frozen pipes, fixing them can be costly and time-consuming. This can be especially true in areas that are prone to sub-zero temperatures.
To prevent this from happening, keep cabinets and closet doors open to allow heated air to circulate. This can help to keep pipes warm. It can also be helpful to keep a trickle of water flowing in faucets exposed to cold temperatures. This can reduce the risk of a pipe burst by preventing ice from building up.
To stop the issue from worsening, delivering heat to the affected area is crucial as soon as a pipe segment freezes. Hot towels, an electric heating pad, a hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from combustible things), or a heat gun can all be used to apply heat to the area. Never heat a pipe using an open flame, such as a blowtorch; doing so can provide a fire risk and harm the pipe.
Keep Your Pipe in a Dry Place
Keeping pipes in a dry location is the best way to prevent pipes from freezing. Your pipes should be kept in a cabinet or another covered storage space. This will shield the pipe from moisture damage and protect it from temperature changes that could cause it to freeze.
Additionally, it would be beneficial if you caulked any gaps in your house that would allow cold air to enter places where your pipes are located. This may be as simple as sealing a leaky door frame or window.
Once your pipe is clean and relaxed, you can store it in a humidor. It would help if you always used a humidity pack of at least 49% because this humidity level is the most suitable for storing pipes. Also, rotate your pipes, allowing each one to air out and dry.
