Frozen Pipe Prevention Tips Guthrie Center IA

The severe cold combined with wind chill produces a significant threat for burst or frozen pipelines. Freezing water turns to ice within the pipeline, which in turn can expand and block the line. This blockage can develop excessive pressure throughout the system and trigger pipe failure in vulnerable places-- no matter if the pipe is made from plastic, copper or steel. Even a small crack can unleash more than 250 gallons of water in a single day. The results of frozen water pipes can cause property damage, high repair work expenses and interruption of service.

Follow these plumbing tips to assist reduce the danger of freezing pipes, and to help prevent damage and pricey repairs.

Prevention Tips for Frozen Pipes

Open cabinet doors under sinks and in storage locations to enable heat from the space to circulate around uninsulated pipes. Permit a drip of hot and cold water to leak overnight; however, take care not to run the water into a drain line that is exposed to the extreme cold since that line may freeze.
Insulate all pipelines in unheated locations or against uninsulated outdoors walls, in garages or in crawl spaces. Apply heat tape or thermostat-controlled heat cables around pipelines that are exposed and vulnerable to freezing.
Make sure the heat is turned on in the building and is set no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Avoid Frozen Pipes

Turn off the water pipe leading into the structure to reduce pressure on frozen pipes and reduce flooding if the pipelines burst.
Utilize a hair dryer to thaw the ice obstruction if the frozen pipeline is exposed and visible. (Do not use an open flame to thaw!) If frozen pipes are not visible, call in the experts at Midwest Plumbers.
If you currently notice slower water circulation and anticipate frozen pipes, you need to call a plumbing immediately. Usually, problems like this can be solved before any damage takes place.
If you experience frozen water pipes, contact our Midwest Plumbers plumbing experts, who use professional pipe-thawing devices. Call or reserve an appointment online. For a list of basement plumbing services -- including water leakage service and utility room maintenance -- check out our website or offer us a ring.