Freezing cold winter weather can cause plumbing pipes to freeze and possibly burst, causing expensive water damage to your home. Taking the right preventative measures before winter comes is very important in order to reduce or eliminate the chances of frozen water pipes and other cold weather damage.
Where the trouble lies
“Some pipes are more prone to freezing than others because of their location in the home,” explains Paul Abrams, spokesman for Roto-Rooter.
Pipes most at risk for freezing include:
- Exposed pipes in unheated areas of the home.
- Pipes located in exterior walls.
- Any plumbing on the exterior of the home.
Preventative measures outside
First a frozen garden hose can cause more damage than a busted hose; A frozen hose can bust interior pipes when the hose freezes it expands, increasing pressure throughout the whole plumbing system. As a part of your seasonal cleaning disconnect, Drain,and store hose away before first hard freeze.
If you don’t have frost-proof spigots, close the interior shut-off valve leading to that faucet, open and drain the spigot, and install a faucet insulator. They cost only a couple bucks and are worth every penny. Don’t forget, outdoor kitchens need winterizing, too, to prevent damage.
To thaw frozen pipe
To tell if you have a frozen pipe turn the faucet on and if only a trickle comes out more than likely its a frozen pipe.
- Keep the Faucet open as you try and melt the frozen pipe,and water starts flowing through it will help the ice melt.
- Apply heat to the frozen section,such as an electrical heating pad, Electrical hair dryer, you can wrap the frozen areas with wash rags soaked in hot water, or use an electrical space heater.
- Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.
Future Protection
- Consider relocating exposed pipes to provide increased protection from freezing.
- Pipes can be relocated by a professional if the home is remodeled.
- Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas.
- For more information, please contact a licensed plumber or building professional.
If this happens to you and you are in need of help please call S.T.O.P at 1-505-893-3112. Or you can visit www.houselogic.com for more information on how to prevent freezing pipes.
