Most parts of the country experience extremely cold temperatures during the winter months. If cold and wind chill persists, exposed water supply pipes are at risk of freezing and bursting. Even a tiny pipe crack can release more than 200 gallons of water in a day after the pipe thaws.
Roto-Rooter, America's largest provider of plumbing repair services, offers tips for preventing frozen pipes and dealing with pipes that are already frozen. By taking preventative measures before the Arctic blast arrives, companies can minimize the risk of burst pipes and associated flooding.
• Disconnect the outside water hoses, turn off the water supply to the outside taps (if equipped), and then open the outside taps to drain the water from the pipes.
• Install Styrofoam insulation covers over all outdoor faucets.
• If outdoor faucets are dripping, make necessary repairs before temperatures get below freezing.
• If your washer is in a cold garage or unheated room, turn off the water supply lines to the appliance and disconnect the hoses.
• Allow hot and cold water to flow from the sink and bathtub spouts.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
• Cover exposed water pipes with foam insulation sleeves
• Wrap thermostat-controlled heating cables around the most vulnerable water supply pipes.
• Set the oven thermostat to no less than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
What to do if your pipes are frozen:
• Partially open indoor water faucets to relieve pressure in frozen pipes.
• Use a hair dryer or space heater to thaw pipes. Do not use an open flame!
• Some plumbers have professional pipe thawing equipment to get pipes flowing again.
• If flooding or water damage occurs, contact a certified water treatment service to minimize long-term damage.
You can find more tips here.
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