We have arrived at the time of year when freezing temperatures threaten. You probably know how to take cautionary action on the roadways during winter weather, but are you doing anything to prevent frozen pipe damage in your home?
The potential damage from a frozen pipe is nothing to take lightly. A single busted pipe can run 4-8 gallons of water a minute and cause thousands of dollars in damage to your home. Furthermore, once you have had a major water leak in your home, your insurance company may even cancel your coverage.
To prevent catastrophic plumbing problems in your home during winter months, it is important that you prevent frozen pipes to begin with. When you get news of expected freezing temperatures, consider following these steps of prevention:
- Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
- Let cold water drip from the faucet. Running water through the pipe helps prevent frozen pipes.
- Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. If you will be going away during cold weather, set the temperature so that it does not get lower than 55° F.
- Seal any gaps around the home where cold air may penetrate and become in contact with piping. Even tiny openings (such as dryer vents or window cracks can allow enough extreme cold air in to freeze a pipe.
- Turn off and drain all standard outside hose bibs.
If you do suspect a frozen pipe, there are steps you can take to safely de-thaw the pipe before damage is incurred. Always call a licensed plumber, such as Metro Septic and Plumbing, for professional plumbing advice or help on specific ways you can protect against frozen pipes. Your plumbing system is one of the most systems in your home. Be sure to take the preventative steps it needs to function at its best through all seasons and weather conditions.
