How to Prevent and Fix Frozen Pipes
by Mr. Rooter
Don’t Let Frozen Pipes Be a Drain on Your Pocketbook
Colder temperatures bring the potential of freezing pipes, and with the economy the way it is, homeowners can’t afford to let frozen pipes be a drain on their pocketbook or their plumbing. Taking some simple precautions before the wintry weather hits can save homeowners the expense as well as the time of repairing burst pipes. The best way to prevent frozen pipes is to winterize your plumbing system.
By following these steps homeowners can save the money, mess and stress that frozen pipes cause:
Insulate your pipes
o Cover faucets and exposed pipes with insulation or wrap thick towels around them.
Secure all basement doors, windows and crawl space openings (crawl spaces must be ventilated or it will cause mold)
o This keeps cold wind away from the pipes.
Keep faucets running
o A small trickle of water or a constant drip will help prevent pipes from freezing.
Open cabinet doors
o This allows heat to circulate under the sink to keep interior pipes warm.
Drain outside water lines
o Remove garden hoses from outdoor faucets and open the outside hose taps to allow water to drain.
Locate the main water shut-off valve
o Learn how to use it in case pipes freeze and burst.
Have a plumber apply electrically-powered heat tape
o This should be done by a professional because it may pose a shock hazard.
If pipes freeze, follow these procedures to safely thaw them:
o Turn off the water at the shut-off valve.
o Open the nearest faucet – this allows water to drain out as the ice melts.
o Heat the exterior of the pipe with a hair dryer – apply heat slowly and don’t keep heat in one spot.
o Do NOT attempt to thaw exposed frozen pipes with an open flame, such as an acetylene torch.
Call a qualified plumber if pipes burst or if immediate repairs are needed.
This article has been provided by Mr. Rooter®. Established in 1970, Mr. Rooter is an all-franchised, full-service plumbing and drain cleaning company with approximately 300 franchises worldwide. Recognized by Entrepreneur magazine among its “Franchise 500” and Franchise Times Top 200, Mr. Rooter franchisees provide services to both residential and commercial customers. Mr. Rooter began franchising in 1974 and is a subsidiary of The Dwyer Group, Inc. For more information or to find the location nearest you, please visit our Web site at www.mrrooter.com.
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