Frozen Pipe Prevention Tips Story City IA

The severe cold combined with wind chill produces a considerable threat for burst or frozen pipes. Freezing water turns to ice within the pipe, which in turn can broaden and obstruct the line. This blockage can create excessive pressure throughout the system and trigger pipe failure in vulnerable places-- no matter if the pipe is made of plastic, copper or steel. Even a tiny crack can release more than 250 gallons of water in a single day. The results of frozen water pipes can trigger residential or commercial property damage, high repair expenses and disturbance of service.

Follow these plumbing suggestions to help reduce the danger of freezing pipes, 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 distribute around uninsulated pipelines. Allow 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 might freeze.
Insulate all pipes in unheated areas or versus uninsulated outside walls, in garages or in crawl areas. Apply heat tape or thermostat-controlled heat cables around pipelines that are exposed and susceptible to freezing.
Ensure the heat is switched on in the structure and is set no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Avoid Frozen Pipes

Shut down the water pipe leading into the structure to lower pressure on frozen pipes and lessen flooding if the pipes burst.
Utilize a hair clothes dryer to thaw the ice obstruction if the frozen pipeline is exposed and visible. (Do not use an open flame to thaw!) If frozen pipelines are not visible, call in the specialists at Midwest Plumbers.
If you currently see slower water flow and anticipate frozen pipes, you must call a plumbing technician right away. Usually, issues like this can be solved prior to any damage occurs.
If you experience frozen pipes, call our Midwest Plumbers plumbing specialists, who use professional pipe-thawing equipment. Call or book an appointment online. For a list of basement plumbing services -- including water leak service and utility room maintenance -- have a look at our site or give us a ring.