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When temperatures drop below freezing – especially for a significant amount of time – the potential for frozen pipes increases dramatically.
Before cold weather hits, here are some precautionary steps you can take:
• Know where and how to shut off your water from the main shut-off valve.
• Seal air leaks around pipes that allow cold air to seep in.
• Insulate pipes near outer walls, in crawl spaces or in attics.
• In exposed or problem areas, you may use heat tape or heat cables to prevent freezing. Make certain they are UL approved and that you follow manufacturers instructions.
• Disconnect garden hoses, shut off and drain water from pipes leading outside. Consider installing an insulated spigot cover.
• Turn your faucet on just enough to have constant dripping (for pipes that may be on exterior wall)
• Open cabinet doors to allow heat to circulate around pipes under a sink.
• Leave heat on and set no lower than 55 degrees.
• If you plan to be away from home, have someone check on your house daily.
• Close foundation vents if the temperature drops below freezing for a significant period of time. Re-open when weather warms.
If pipes freeze:
• Shut off water valves. Stopping the flow of water can minimize the damage to your home.
• Call a plumber to thaw your pipes. Thawing yourself can lead to greater damage and can be a hazard.
• If your pipes burst, call a plumber and your insurance agent.
Although we do NOT recommended thawing pipes yourself, if you do try to thaw:
• Don’t try to thaw the pipes with an open flame or torch.
• Don’t use ungrounded electrical appliances outdoors, or near grounded water pipes.
• Be careful of the potential for electric shock in and around water.
• Never start a debris fire to warm pipes.
• When thawing pipes, always work from the open faucet toward the frozen area. This will keep steam from being trapped by ice and bursting the pipe.
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