DEFENSE: Protecting Your Pipes During Super Bowl LI
Discover Expert Tips For Preventing and Thawing Frozen Pipes
The icy cold winter months can bring some serious troubles for the plumbing system in your home. If the pipes begin to freeze, it can keep you from getting water from your tap. Worse yet, frozen pipes can eventually burst causing flooding and extensive damage in your home.
It's with that in mind that we've assembled some quick and easy tips to prevent your pipes from freezing, as well as some instructions on what to do if it happens.
Address the Areas Where Freezing Is Most Likely To Occur
In most homes, some sections of plumbing are more exposed to cold than others. These are the spots that require your attention first.
Outside taps and hose bibs should be winterized every fall. This involves shutting off the water supply valve, usually located somewhere inside the house close to the tap, and draining any water from the pipe and valve.
Pipes running through the garage or the attic are also prone to freezing, as these areas often aren't heated. To keep them from being exposed to excessive cold, make sure to keep the doors and windows closed at all times.
Install a Heat Trace Cable or Heating Tape
An effective way of preventing pipes from freezing is to employ a heat trace cable or a heating tape on your plumbing. This solution uses an electrically heated filament to keep the pipe warm. Be sure to install following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Other Valuable Prevention Tips
Some other ways to keep your pipes from freezing include:
- Allowing the hot water to run in order to warm up the pipes
- Keeping cabinet doors under bathroom and kitchen sink open to allow warm air in
- Adding foam insulation to your pipes
How to Deal With a Frozen Pipe
If you know where the ice has formed, you can thaw it by pointing a hair dryer on the hottest setting towards the pipe. You can also heat up the surrounding area by placing a heat lamp or some space heaters close by. We suggest leaving the use of a blowtorch to a trained professional because it can represent a fire hazard due to the proximity of flammable materials can be a fire hazard.
If you'd like some assistance in dealing with your frozen pipes, your friends at Bowen Plumbing are just a phone call away. Dial 510-318-3747 to book an appointment with Arkansas' leading plumbing professionals.
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