Frozen pipes can be a nightmare for homeowners and tenants alike. There are several important steps you must take to prevent this from happening when the weather is cold. Failing to take precautions could lead to damages, including the destruction of your water supply pipes.
What Happens When Pipes Freeze?
Your water hose, swimming pool lines, basement, garage pipes, and pipes in other exterior locations are at the highest risk of freezing. This is because they are directly affected by the low temperatures,
When water becomes frozen, it expands. This expansion puts pressure on the inside of pipes or other things that contain water, your water hose, for example. When this happens, the water, now ice, can break these pipes.
How Can I Prevent Frozen Pipes?
Frozen pipes is an issue that can be avoided by following a few preventative measures. Those who reside in a home, whether homeowners or tenants, should be educated on proper care of the home plumbing. Some responsibilities belong to one or either party; it is essential to discuss this beforehand.
- Check pipes around your home for proper insulation.
- Add insulation to the colder areas of your home, for example, garages and crawl spaces.
- Drain all hoses around the home.
- Keep garage doors closed when the temperature is below freezing.
- Keep the thermostat set to sixty, even if you are away in the winter.
The most simple and universal prevention method is to set all your faucets to drip just a small amount of water when the temperature gets below freezing.
What Should I Do If My Pipes Freeze?
If your pipes do happen to freeze during the winter, do not panic. First, you should open your faucets. If the water thaws, it will flow out. Next, a safe source of heat must be used to try to thaw the pipes. For example, a heating pad or hair dryer could safely thaw the ice. Finally, check throughout the home for other frozen pipes. It is vital that any frozen pipes are properly thawed.
If these steps do not work, damages are extensive, you cannot find the frozen pipes or the pipes are inaccessible, you must then seek professional help. A plumbing specialist can help you evaluate the situation, determine your next steps, and restore your plumbing system.
Contact A+ Plumbing, Heating and Cooling
Contact our team of skilled technicians today for more information on how to prevent your pipes from freezing or other general plumbing information. If your pipes have frozen, are damaged, or if you are experiencing any other related issue, it is important to reach out to A+ Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling immediately. Our knowledgeable employees are standing by and waiting to help you. Give us a call at (603) 518-5777 or fill out a contact form today!