Frozen Pipe Prevention Tips Baltimore Highlands MD

The severe cold combined with wind chill creates a significant risk for burst or frozen pipelines. Freezing water turns to ice within the pipe, which in turn can expand and block the line. This obstruction can develop extreme pressure throughout the system and cause pipe failure in vulnerable places-- 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 water pipes can cause residential or commercial property damage, high repair expenses and interruption of company.

Follow these plumbing suggestions to help minimize the threat of freezing pipelines, and to assist avoid damage and costly repairs.

Prevention Tips for Frozen Pipes

Open cabinet doors under sinks and in storage locations to allow heat from the space to distribute around uninsulated pipes. Allow a drip of cold and hot water to leak over night; however, beware not to run the water into a drain line that is exposed to the severe cold because that line may freeze.
Insulate all pipelines in unheated locations or versus 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 switched on in the building and is set no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Prevent Frozen Pipes

Shut down the water pipe leading into the structure to minimize pressure on frozen pipes and lessen flooding if the pipelines burst.
Use 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, contact the specialists at Midwest Plumbers.
If you currently discover slower water flow and expect frozen pipelines, you need to call a plumbing technician instantly. Usually, problems like this can be solved prior to any damage occurs.
If you experience frozen pipes, call our Midwest Plumbers plumbing experts, who use professional pipe-thawing devices. Call or book an appointment online. For a list of basement plumbing services -- including water leak service and utility room maintenance -- check out our site or offer us a ring.