’Tis the season for chilly weather… and freezing temperatures can do a real number on your pipes if they’re not properly insulated. Frozen pipes are bad enough, but if they burst, you’ve got a messy problem on your hands. Fortunately, there are some straightforward things you can do to prevent disaster.
Know the High-Risk Circumstances
There are certain factors that increase the risk of frozen pipes, and it pays to know what to look out for.
The Risk: Exterior Temperatures Below 20 Degrees. While it’s true that water’s freezing point is 32 degrees Fahrenheit, pipes provide a certain amount of insulation, so you don’t have to start to worry until the thermometer dips below 20.
The Fix: While you can’t control the weather, you can create an optimal environment in your home by keeping your thermostat to at least 55 degrees, opening the cabinets under your sinks for circulation, and turning on your faucets to a slight trickle to keep the water flowing.
The Risk: Unheated Areas Inside Your Home. Those pesky, unheated or poorly insulated spots in your house like attics, basements and crawlspaces, are high-risk areas for pipes to burst.
The Fix: Insulate. Add insulation to these spaces to better protect your pipes.
The Risk: Pipes of Exterior Walls. Exterior walls are the WORST when it comes to freezing pipes because they’re that much closer to the elements, and often have insulation issues.
The Fix: Seal Your Cracks. Often, service lines going into your home aren’t properly sealed, causing drafty areas in your exterior walls. If you find any cracks, be sure to close them up right away.
The Risk: Outdoor Areas. Uninsulated outdoor pipes for hoses, sprinkler systems, pool lines and more are all at an enormous risk of freezing.
The Fix: Preventative Maintenance. Before the winter season, insulate, cover and turn off the water supply to any outdoor faucets.
When Disaster Strikes
Usually, one of the first indications that you have a frozen pipe is that there’s no flow when you turn on a faucet. To prevent the pipe from bursting, you’ll need to act fast.
First and most important, turn off your water valve. Then, look around to find which pipe has frozen. You’ll want to start in the higher-risk areas outlined in the section above. (Hint: the frozen pipe is usually the one with frost around it.) If you see any leaks or cracks, call your plumber right away. Next, turn on any of the faucets that are connected to the pipe to relieve pressure, and try to thaw the frozen area with a hair dryer or space heater.
At Faulstick Plumbing, we specialize in installs, repairs, and inspections for all of your well, water, and plumbing needs. Our family-owned and operated business has built a reputation as the best-doing things the right way with the customer in mind, every time. Give us a call at 570-992-0447 to discuss your needs today.
