The National Weather service is predicting very cold weather moving through the area over the next few days. Are you ready?
Tips for Keeping your Pipes from Freezing
Preparing for cold weather before it arrives is ideal, BUT there is plenty you can do right up until the arctic blast blows through!
It might be a little late to drain your pool or insulate your water pipes, but the pipes inside your home can benefit from a little extra attention. Read on for tips for protecting your home from frozen water pipes.
Going away for the holidays?
Turning off your main water valve or pump, if you have a well, is a smart precaution. By doing this, you can reduce the amount of damage incurred if a pipe happens to freeze and burst. You can drain any extra water by leaving the faucets open after you turn off the water.
It might be tempting to drop the thermostat, especially if you’re going away for a week or so, to save on the electric bills. Winter weather can cause lengthy power outages. Your pipes can survive much longer if you leave the house at 55° F or higher. Keeping the thermostat set at a “normal” temperature while away may result in higher heating bills, but it can help keep pipes from freezing during the night – and help you avoid an even costlier repair bill.
Let ‘Em Drip
Turn your faucet on, slow drip or trickle, to prevent pressure building up in pipes. If the pipes do freeze, the reduction in pressure can reduce the likelihood that the pipe will burst.
Keep Cabinet Doors Open
Kitchen and bathroom cabinets often contain piping that supplies water to the sink. Keeping the cabinet doors open during cold weather allows heated air to reach these vulnerable areas. Placing space heaters near the open doors can provide additional protection against freezing during colder winter weather.
Be careful when using space heaters, though. If you plan to leave them on in the kitchen and bathroom overnight, leave them on low. Remember to remove any flammable materials from the surrounding area. Unattended space heaters can quickly become a fire hazard if they’re on too high or placed near flammable materials.
How to Safely Thaw Frozen Pipes
A sure sign that your pipes are frozen — other than a burst pipe — is getting a trickle of water when you turn on a faucet. There are a number of steps you can take to thaw frozen pipes:
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Keep the faucet running: Allowing water to run through the piping system can cause any accumulated ice to melt. You should notice an increase in the water flow as the melting progresses.
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Apply heat to the pipe: If you are able to locate and access the pipe, wrapping it with an electric heating pad or running a space heater near it can help the frozen water to thaw more quickly. Be sure to apply the heat until full water pressure is restored. Even a hair dryer can serve as an adequate heat source in some cases. You can also use a space heater, but remember, do not leave a heater running unattended, and keep it away from flammable materials. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.
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Call a licensed plumber: If you’re unable to locate or reach the frozen pipe and running the faucet doesn’t remedy the issue, consider calling an experienced plumber.
