Here in Colorado, we're no strangers to cold weather. Most of us would drive through a snowstorm just to have a great "powder day" in the mountains!
Sometimes though, snow isn't the real problem. It's the temperature...freezing temperatures to be exact. After this last cold spell, we've had a lot of customers asking what they can do to prevent a homeowner's frozen nightmare...frozen or broken pipes!
Why does this happen?
Think of a can of soda in the freezer. Eventually it will expand and burst. Water can do the same thing inside your water pipes. The tricky thing is that the actual damage to the pipe is not necessarily where the water is frozen. It usually occurs further down the line where the pressure builds and eventually causes the pipe to burst.
What can I do to prevent frozen or broken pipes?
*Insulate pipes in your home's crawl spaces and attic. Exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing.
* Seal leaks that allow cold air inside near where pipes are located. Check for air leaks around electrical wiring, vents, and pipes, and use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out. Even a tiny opening can let in enough cold air to cause a pipe to freeze.
*Consider opening your kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow the warm air to reach those exposed pipes. (Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals out of the reach of children & curious pets.)
*If you are away from home during the cold weather, leave your heat set at no lower than 65ºF.
*Let the cold water drip from faucets that are served from pipes that are often susceptible to freezing.
*Make sure to drain and disconnect all garden hoses. Also, be sure to have your sprinkler system cleared out before the first freeze of the season.
I think I have a frozen pipe, but it has not burst. How do I thaw it on my own?
*Turn your faucet on. As the pipe begins to thaw, water will begin to flow through the frozen area and will help further melt the ice.
*Try to warm the pipe. Sometimes even turning up your home heat can help. Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater are also helpful. Use caution and do not place any heating devices too close to the pipes or the wall, as this may cause a fire. Do not leave any of these heating devices unattended.
*If you notice any cracking or bulging on the pipe, call a professional as soon as possible to prevent any further damage.
I've had a pipe break, what should I do first?
*Your first step is to locate your main water shut off valve and turn off your water. This will prevent more water from entering your home. Your next step is to call a professional plumber to have the pipe repaired.
At Payless, we are happy to check any areas of concern before you have an emergency. Is your home ready for the next stretch of cold weather?
Call us today!
303-927-6247
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