7 Simple Steps to Avoid Frozen Pipes

If you enjoyed this - please share it!Share on Facebook
Facebook
0Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Pin on Pinterest
Pinterest
0Share on LinkedIn
Linkedin
Share on StumbleUpon
StumbleUpon
0Share on Tumblr
Tumblr
0

BurstPipeIce forming in a pipe does not typically cause a break where the ice blockage occurs. It’s not the radial expansion of ice against the wall of the pipe that causes the break. Rather, following a complete ice blockage in a pipe, continued freezing and expansion inside the pipe causes water pressure to increase downstream – between the ice blockage and a closed faucet at the end. It’s this increase in water pressure that leads to pipe failure.

Field tests conducted at the University of Illinois show the onset of freezing occurred in residential water systems subjected to winter temperatures for un-insulated pipes when the outside temperature fell to 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Here are 7 simple ways you can keep pipes from freezing.

1. Letting the Water Run: Opening a faucet will provide relief from the excessive pressure that builds between the faucet and the ice blockage when freezing occurs. If there is no excessive water pressure, there is no burst pipe, even if the water inside the pipe freezes.

2. Insulate all water pipes. Pipe insulation can be purchased at any hardware store, and it can be easily cut with scissors.

3. Install heater tape. Weather tape is wrapped around the pipes and is controlled by a built-in thermostat.

4. Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.

5. Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.

6. Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to un-insulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.

7. Seal air leaks surrounding or near pipes.

split-pipeIf You Suspect a Frozen Pipe

If you open a faucet and no water comes out, don’t take any chances. Call a plumber. If a water pipe bursts, turn off the water at the main shut-off valve (usually at the water meter or where the main line enters the house). Leave the faucet(s) open until repairs are completed. Don’t try to thaw a frozen pipe with an open flame as this will damage the pipe and may even start a building fire. You might be able to thaw a pipe with a hand-held hair dryer. Slowly apply heat, starting close to the faucet end of the pipe, with the faucet open. Work toward the coldest section. *Obvious caution – Don’t use electrical appliances while standing in water; you could get electrocuted!

This post was adapted from the newsletter published by the McMichael Insurance Co. in Streetsboro.

9293 St. Route 43, Ste C

Streetsboro, OH 44241

 

Local: (330) 626-4972

 

If you enjoyed this - please share it!Share on Facebook
Facebook
0Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Pin on Pinterest
Pinterest
0Share on LinkedIn
Linkedin
Share on StumbleUpon
StumbleUpon
0Share on Tumblr
Tumblr
0

Leave a Comment