Frozen Pipe Prevention Tips Glencoe MN

The extreme cold integrated with wind chill produces a significant risk for burst or frozen pipelines. Freezing water relies on ice within the pipeline, which in turn can expand and obstruct the line. This obstruction can develop excessive pressure throughout the system and trigger pipeline failure in susceptible locations-- no matter if the pipeline is made from plastic, copper or steel. Even a tiny crack can unleash more than 250 gallons of water in a single day. The results of frozen pipes can trigger residential or commercial property damage, high repair costs and interruption of business.

Follow these plumbing suggestions to help minimize the risk of freezing pipes, and to help avoid damage and pricey repairs.

Prevention Tips for Frozen Pipes

Open cabinet doors under sinks and in storage areas to enable heat from the space to circulate around uninsulated pipes. Permit a drip of hot and cold water to leak over night; however, beware not to run the water into a drain line that is exposed to the extreme cold because that line might freeze.
Insulate all pipelines in unheated areas or against uninsulated outside walls, in garages or in crawl spaces. Apply heat tape or thermostat-controlled heat cables around pipes that are exposed and prone to freezing.
Ensure the heat is switched on in the structure and is set no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Prevent Frozen Pipes

Shut down the water main leading into the structure to reduce pressure on frozen pipes and decrease flooding if the pipelines burst.
Utilize a hair clothes dryer to thaw the ice blockage 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 experts at Midwest Plumbers.
If you currently notice slower water flow and expect frozen pipelines, you should call a plumbing instantly. Generally, problems like this can be fixed prior to any damage takes place.
If you experience frozen water pipes, contact our Midwest Plumbers plumbing professionals, who use professional pipe-thawing devices. Call or schedule a consultation online. For a list of basement plumbing services -- consisting of water leakage service and utility room maintenance -- take a look at our site or provide us a ring.