During Central Kentucky’s winter months, temperatures often drop below water’s freezing level, and with such cold come the potential for one of the most unwanted plumbing incidents: frozen pipes. Not only can frozen pipes damage a home’s plumbing system, they can also affect appliances, furniture, and other valuable items. To help prevent your pipes from freezing during the cold winter months, your friends at GreenBox Home Services have some tips and tricks to help mitigate any potential issues Kentucky freezing weather can cause.
There are two immediate problems with frozen pipes
- 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 which could become hazardous. A pipe bursting within the house will require immediate professional help.
When Do Pipes Start to 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, basements, slabs).
Protect Your Pipes When Central Kentucky Temperatures Drop!
Here are a few ways to protect your pipes. Make sure you leave faucets open with 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. Another good thing to consider is the amount of insulation available to your home’s water pipe network. If the walls do not have adequate insulation, the pipes will be susceptible to freezing.
What To Do If Your Pipes Are Frozen
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 circumstances use a hair dryer or space heater to thaw out pipes. This can cause extreme damage to pipes and end up costing a lot of money to repair. You can, however, use a heated towel to facilitate the thaw. Once the frozen section is located, wrapping the affected area with a warm cloth/towel will help with the thawing process.
Do Frozen Pipes Mean They Will Burst?
Not always, however, the best option to reduce the chances of your pipe bursting is open your faucets so the ice and water has room to expand. Even with this action, frozen pipes can still burst, this method merely reduces those chances. If your attempts to clear ice from your water pipes are not effective, give the licensed experts at GreenBox Home Services a call!
At what point should you call the GreenBox Home Services?
If you find that your pipes are indeed frozen, don’t hesitate to call GreenBox Home Services at (859) 278-0281 to find out what your options are. We are always here to help, and we even offer 24/7 emergency services for those moments that just can’t wait!
