Frozen Pipe Prevention Tips West Plains KS

The extreme cold combined with wind chill creates a significant danger for burst or frozen pipes. Freezing water relies on ice within the pipeline, which in turn can broaden and block the line. This blockage can develop excessive pressure throughout the system and trigger pipeline failure in vulnerable locations-- no matter if the pipe is made from plastic, copper or steel. Even a small crack can let loose more than 250 gallons of water in a single day. The results of frozen water pipes can trigger home damage, high repair work costs and interruption of service.

Follow these plumbing tips to assist minimize the danger of freezing pipes, and to assist prevent damage and expensive 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 pipes. Allow a trickle of hot and cold water to drip over night; however, take care 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 areas or against uninsulated outside walls, in garages or in crawl areas. Apply heat tape or thermostat-controlled heat cables around pipelines that are exposed and prone to freezing.
Make sure the heat is turned on in the building and is set no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Prevent Frozen Pipes

Shut off the water main leading into the structure to reduce pressure on frozen pipes and reduce flooding if the pipes burst.
Utilize a hair dryer to thaw the ice blockage if the frozen pipeline is exposed and visible. (Do not utilize an open flame to thaw!) If frozen pipes are not visible, contact the specialists at Midwest Plumbers.
If you currently discover slower water flow and expect frozen pipes, you should call a plumber right away. Normally, issues like this can be resolved prior to any damage takes place.
If you experience frozen pipes, call our Midwest Plumbers plumbing experts, who utilize professional pipe-thawing devices. Call or schedule an appointment online. For a list of basement plumbing services -- including water leak service and utility room maintenance -- take a look at our site or offer us a ring.