Frozen Pipe Prevention Tips Nebraska City NE

The extreme cold combined with wind chill produces a significant risk for burst or frozen pipes. Freezing water turns to ice within the pipeline, which in turn can expand and block the line. This blockage can create extreme pressure throughout the system and cause pipeline failure in vulnerable places-- no matter if the pipeline is made from 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 trigger home damage, high repair costs and disruption of service.

Follow these plumbing ideas to help minimize the risk of freezing pipes, and to assist prevent damage and costly repairs.

Prevention Tips for Frozen Pipes

Open cabinet doors under sinks and in storage areas to enable heat from the space to distribute around uninsulated pipelines. Allow a trickle of cold and hot water to leak overnight; however, take care not to run the water into a drain line that is exposed to the extreme cold because that line may freeze.
Insulate all pipes in unheated locations or against uninsulated outdoors walls, in garages or in crawl areas. 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.

Avoid Frozen Pipes

Shut off the water main leading into the structure to lower pressure on frozen pipes and decrease flooding if the pipelines burst.
Utilize a hair dryer to thaw the ice blockage if the frozen pipe is exposed and visible. (Do not use an open flame to thaw!) If frozen pipelines are not visible, contact the specialists at Midwest Plumbers.
If you currently observe slower water flow and expect frozen pipes, you must call a plumbing right away. Normally, issues like this can be solved prior to any damage happens.
If you experience frozen pipes, call our Midwest Plumbers plumbing experts, who utilize expert pipe-thawing devices. Call or schedule an appointment online. For a list of basement plumbing services -- including water leak service and utility room upkeep -- take a look at our website or give us a ring.