Don’t Let Frozen Pipes Give You the Cold Weather Blues
With such cold weather sweeping across the globe, you would be wise to take a look at your pipes and make sure they’re ready to stand up to freezing temperatures that may come. We all know that freezing begins at 32° F or 0° C, but at what point do pipes freeze within our homes? Temperatures only need to drop to about 25° F for a few hours to put exposed pipes at risk. So, your best bet is to insulate your exposed pipes to keep that temperature well above the freezing point.
What are exposed pipes?
Likely places for frozen pipes include pipes that are against exterior walls and also water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets.
How to prevent frozen pipes:
- Insulate pipes in all unheated areas.
- Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
- Open kitchen and vanities to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
- Run a trickle of water through the faucet if outside temperatures drop to 25 degrees.
- Set home thermostats above 55 degrees during cold weather even while you’re away from home.
- Open the outside spigots to allow water to drain and then install insulation covers over the spigots.
- Make sure to drain swimming pool supply lines and water sprinkler lines before it gets colder.
What to do if you have a frozen pipe
- Know where the shut off valves are for emergencies.
- If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze.. Check every faucet in your home.
- Keep the faucet open as you treat the frozen pipe. As the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow helping to melt ice in the pipe.
- Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use open flame devices such as a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, etc. Keep applying heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
When to call Water Extraction Experts
Frozen pipes can burst and cause water damage to your home. We understand how stressful that can be. If you experience water damage, call us! Water Extraction Experts use the most advanced technology in water damage mitigation and mold remediation to quickly get your home and your life back to normal again.
Water Extraction Experts
Emergency 24/7 Water Damage Restoration
Serving Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, East Mountain, and Surrounding Areas
Call: 505-808-2080
The Experts That Care!