Frozen Pipe Prevention Tips Oakbrook Terrace IL

The severe cold combined with wind chill creates a considerable threat for burst or frozen pipes. Freezing water turns to ice within the pipe, which in turn can expand and obstruct the line. This obstruction can develop extreme pressure throughout the system and cause pipe failure in susceptible places-- no matter if the pipeline is made of plastic, copper or steel. Even a tiny fracture can let loose more than 250 gallons of water in a single day. The results of frozen pipes can trigger property damage, high repair costs and interruption of service.

Follow these plumbing suggestions to help minimize the danger of freezing pipelines, and to help prevent damage and costly repairs.

Prevention Tips for Frozen Pipes

Open cabinet doors under sinks and in storage areas to permit heat from the space to circulate around uninsulated pipelines. Enable a drip of hot and cold water to drip over night; however, be careful not to run the water into a drain line that is exposed to the severe cold because that line may freeze.
Insulate all pipes in unheated locations or against uninsulated outdoors walls, in garages or in crawl spaces. Apply heat tape or thermostat-controlled heat cable televisions around pipelines that are exposed and prone to freezing.
Make sure the heat is switched on in the building and is set no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Avoid Frozen Pipes

Shut off the water pipe leading into the structure to minimize pressure on frozen pipes and minimize flooding if the pipes burst.
Use a hair dryer to thaw the ice blockage if the frozen pipe is exposed and visible. (Do not use an open flame to thaw!) If frozen pipelines are not noticeable, employ the professionals at Midwest Plumbers.
If you currently observe slower water circulation and expect frozen pipes, you must call a plumbing technician instantly. Typically, problems like this can be fixed before any damage takes place.
If you experience frozen water pipes, call our Midwest Plumbers plumbing professionals, who utilize professional pipe-thawing devices. Call or reserve an appointment online. For a list of basement plumbing services -- including water leak service and laundry room upkeep -- take a look at our site or give us a ring.