News Edition
Winter is on its way and is sure to bring strong storms and freezing temperatures for most parts of the country. One of the most important tasks to prepare for winter is to take care of your plumbing. Once the temperature falls into the 20-degree range (below 32 degrees F) your pipes are at risk for freezing. This is especially true in an uninsulated space with uninsulated pipes.
Frozen water expands, pressure rises, and can cause pipes to crack or even burst. Here’s how to deal with the dangers of frozen pipes.
Problems Frozen Pipes Can Cause
Frozen pipes can cause many headaches from inconvenience to severe damage to your home. Expect these 5 potential problems if your pipes freeze.
Property Damage
A burst pipe releases a gush of water that can damage your electronics, walls, floors, ceilings, and all your personal items. Water damage must be dried quickly or harmful mold can grow. Mold can lead to respiratory illnesses, especially for those who have allergies or asthma.
Costly Repairs
Not many homeowners budget for water damage emergencies, and the cost of clean-up, repairs to your home, and plumbing services can become overwhelming. Taking action to prevent frozen pipes can save you thousands.
Personal Injuries
Depending on how seriously your home floods, small children and the elderly could be at risk of drowning. Even lesser amounts of water can cause dangerous contact with electrical wiring and put you at risk for electric shocks, electrocution, and house fires.
Disrupted Water Supply
Frozen pipes mean you must go without water for potentially days. Always make sure you have an emergency supply of water for drinking and cooking.
Preventing Frozen Pipes
If your pipes are at risk of freezing, you must balance water and heating bills with the possibility of a hefty repair bill. Take these steps to ensure you avoid the danger of frozen pipes.
- Keep bathroom and kitchen cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
- Drip cold water from the faucets. Running water will help keep pipes from freezing.
- Don’t turn your thermostat down at night during a cold snap. Set it to the same temperature as you do for the daytime.
- Avoid a drafty home by sealing cracks around doors and windows. Extra insulation in basements, attics, and crawl spaces will keep your home comfortable and your pipes from freezing. Remember—a temporarily high heating bill will be less costly than water damage.
DIY Plumbing System Maintenance
Frozen pipes aren’t the only plumbing emergency. Old pipes, clogs, tree roots, and more can cause plumbing issues. It’s important to know where your shut-off valve is in case your home begins to flood.
If you do have a frozen pipe, you’ll know it if the water only trickles out when you turn on a faucet. If you can locate the frozen pipe, apply heat with a portable heater or hair dryer. Don’t use a device with an open flame such as a blow torch. If you can’t locate the frozen pipe, call your plumber.
Be proactive and have your plumbing inspected regularly by a professional plumber.
