Have you ever forgotten to check the weather forecast before going to bed? Imagine waking up to find the temperature has dropped below freezing and your pipes have frozen over. This is when panic sets in because you don’t know what to do next. With our top 5 recommendations listed below, the heartache of frozen pipes should be a distant memory.
Two of the main problems which occur with frozen pipes are a major inconvenience and potential damage to your property.
- Lack of Running Water- The most obvious inconvenience of a frozen pipe is the inability to access running water. Without running water it disrupts our ability to do normal everyday tasks such as brushing our teeth, taking showers, flushing toilets, and washing clothes, just to name a few major issues affected by lack of water.
- Potential to Burst Once the water in the pipe freezes, pressure mounts between the closed faucet and the source of the blockage. This pressure has the potential to build up to a high point which causes the pipe to explode. If your pipe bursts outside, this will create incredibly slippery conditions that could become hazardous. A pipe bursting within the house will require immediate professional help.
What temperature signals a possible pipe freeze?
You should be concerned about freezing pipes when temperatures are predicted to drop to 32 degrees and lower. It’s also important to check your local weather broadcast daily in the winter months. There are many ways to check the weather, including your local news stations and weather apps. One last thing to consider is how your particular type of foundation responds to low temperatures (i.e. crawlspaces, basement, slabs).
What is the best way to protect pipes when the temperature drops into the danger zone?
Here are a few ways to protect your pipes. Make sure you leave faucets open with a steady stream of water. Remove all outdoor hoses from their spigots in both, the front and backyard. If you have a crawlspace close all the vents. Lastly, keep your interior doors open to allow adequate heat to flow throughout the house.
If you find yourself with frozen pipes, what are the first steps to take?
If you awaken to frozen pipes, the first thing you should do is turn off your main shut off valve. Please note: Do not under any circumstance use a hairdryer or space heater to thaw out pipes. This can cause extreme damage to pipes and end up costing a lot of money to repair.
If you have frozen pipes is there anything you can do to reduce the chances of them bursting?
The best option to reduce the chances of your pipe bursting is to open your faucets so the ice and water have room to expand. However, even with this action pipes can still burst, this method merely reduces those chances.
At what point should you call an HVAC professional?
When you find your pipes are frozen, call us to learn what your options are to have your pipes professionally thawed.
If you have any questions or problems with your pipes, Schedule an appointment today!
