Bust pipes are one of the most common causes of water damage so if you live in constant fear that your unheated water pipes can freeze, burst, and cause a watery mess in your garage, basement, and elsewhere, its time to turn that fear into an action plan.
In fact, preventing frozen pipes is a rather simple process as youre about to see:
- Keep the temperature inside your home at 55 degrees or higher, even when a way on vacation.
- Open cabinet doors below sinks and against outside facing walls to allow indoor heat to circulate. Thats especially important when outdoor temps fall below freezing.
- Use foam insulation to cover the pipes nearest exterior walls plus those in your garage, crawl space, and other unheated areas. Also, consider insulating the inside of your garage door or replacing yours with one thats pre-insulated.
- Close all windows near water pipes and cover or close open-air vents to block freezing wind drafts.
- Heat your basement and consider weather-sealing your windows.
- When its below freezing, turn on one water faucet before going to bed and keep it lukewarm. All you need is the smallest trickle as moving water cant freeze.
So, what should you do if a pipe freezes and bursts, despite your best efforts to prevent it?
- Shut off your main water valve.
- If the break is in a hot water pipe, shut off the valve on top.
If the pipe only appears frozen, you can attempt to thaw it, but do not use a torch or open flame, as this could lead to a house fire or cause the pipe to burst. Instead, try using a hand-held hair dryer on its lowest setting, but do not use it while standing in water to avoid electrocution.
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If the pipe already has burst of you feel ill-equipped to deal with the problem on your own, Pann Home Services is always ready to lend a helping hand. Contact us today (or anytime) for more information or to request service.
If you’re in need of pipes to replace broken ones or for general projects, head to Varner Pipe to buy their piping products.
