As the temperatures drop below freezing, frozen pipes become a large risk. One of the most common causes of property damage during the winter is burst pipes. A burst pipe can result in costly property damage. Pipes in unheated areas such as cellars and attics are most at risk for freezing. You can help prevent pipes from freezing with the following tips:
-Keep your cabinet doors open to allow warmer air to move through.
-Allow water to drip from your faucet. Keeping the water running through the pipes helps prevent them from freezing.
-Keep your house at the same temperature. Saving money on heating your house by reducing the temperature may not be cost effective in the long run if you have a pipe burst.
-To avoid pipes freezing in your garage, make sure all doors and windows are closed.
-Add insulation to areas that do not get much heat. Sealing cracks and openings will help keep out cold air as well.
If your pipes do freeze, follow these tips to thaw them out:
-Turn the faucet on. Running water will help the ice melt as the you heat the pipe.
-Find the section of the pipe that is frozen and apply heat. You can apply a hot water soaked towel to the area, or use a hair dryer or space heater to help thaw out the pipe. Keep applying heat until the water pressure returns to normal.
-Turn on the other faucets in your house to see if you have any other frozen pipes.
-If you are having trouble locating the frozen pipe, call a plumber immediately.
A burst pipe can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage to your property and even force you to close the doors to your business while the damage is being corrected.