Think you're cold? What about those frozen pipes?

1/20/2014 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes can lead to serious water damage.

BRRRRRR!  Baby, it's cold outside!  Winter is upon us and while we may look forward to building our first snowman, sledding with our children, or sitting by a toasty fire, frozen pipes can become a reality as well.  Prevent freezing of pipes by following these recommendations:

• Make sure you drain water from a water sprinkler system or a swimming pool.  There are typically manufacturing directions on how to do so.  
• Drain and detach any water hoses from exterior spigots. 
• Check your basement, crawl space, attic, and garage for any uninsulated pipes. Make sure to keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines located there. 
• Check under kitchen and bathroom cabinets as well.  Open the cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing.  Consider installing specific insulation for pipes. 
• Let water drip from a faucet served by exposed pipes since this will help prevent them from freezing. 
• If you will be gone from your home during cold weather, don't allow your thermostat below 55 degrees.   

What happens if despite all your good intentions, you suspect a frozen pipe?    

• If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, chances are good that your pipe is frozen.  It will most likely be located near an exterior wall or where your water service comes into your home.
• Apply heat to the pipe with an electric heating pad, an electric hair dryer or a portable space heater (maker sure nothing flammable is close by).  You can also wrap the pipes in towels soaked with warm water.  DO NOT use a blowtorch, kerosene, propane heater, for any other open flame device.
• Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and water begins to melt, it will then begin to flow through the frozen area.  It will also help to melt additional ice in the pipe. 
• If you cannot thaw the pipe, aren't able to locate the frozen area, or you can't get access to it, call a licensed plumber.
• Be sure to check all other faucets in your home because chances are if you have one frozen pipe, most likely you have others as well. 

Finally, if the "dreaded pipe break" should happen, call us at 816-246-5566. We will respond quickly and get you back to "Like it never even happened".