Frozen Pipe Prevention Tips Oak Park IL

The severe cold combined with wind chill creates a substantial danger for burst or frozen pipelines. Freezing water relies on ice within the pipe, which in turn can expand and block the line. This blockage can create excessive pressure throughout the system and cause pipeline failure in vulnerable locations-- no matter if the pipeline is made of plastic, copper or steel. Even a tiny crack can let loose more than 250 gallons of water in a single day. The results of frozen pipes can cause residential or commercial property damage, high repair expenses and disturbance of business.

Follow these plumbing ideas to assist minimize the risk of freezing pipes, and to assist prevent damage and costly repair works.

Prevention Tips for Frozen Pipes

Open cabinet doors under sinks and in storage locations to enable heat from the room to distribute around uninsulated pipes. Enable a trickle of hot and cold water to drip overnight; however, beware not to run the water into a drain line that is exposed to the extreme cold since that line might freeze.
Insulate all pipes in unheated locations or versus uninsulated outside walls, in garages or in crawl spaces. Apply heat tape or thermostat-controlled heat cables around pipelines that are exposed and prone to freezing.
Make certain the heat is switched on in the building and is set no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Avoid Frozen Pipes

Shut down the water main leading into the structure to lower pressure on frozen pipelines and minimize flooding if the pipes burst.
Use a hair clothes dryer to thaw the ice blockage if the frozen pipeline is exposed and noticeable. (Do not utilize an open flame to thaw!) If frozen pipelines are not visible, call in the professionals at Midwest Plumbers.
If you currently see slower water flow and expect frozen pipelines, you should call a plumbing instantly. Generally, concerns like this can be resolved prior to any damage takes place.
If you experience frozen water pipes, contact our Midwest Plumbers plumbing professionals, who use expert pipe-thawing equipment. Call or book a consultation online. For a list of basement plumbing services -- including water leakage service and laundry room maintenance -- have a look at our site or give us a ring.