Frozen Pipe Prevention Tips Prattsburgh NY

The extreme cold integrated with wind chill creates a significant threat for burst or frozen pipes. Freezing water relies on ice within the pipe, which in turn can expand and obstruct the line. This blockage can produce extreme pressure throughout the system and cause pipe failure in susceptible 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 pipes can trigger property damage, high repair expenses and disruption of service.

Follow these plumbing tips to help minimize the risk of freezing pipes, and to help prevent damage and expensive repairs.

Prevention Tips for Frozen Pipes

Open cabinet doors under sinks and in storage locations to permit heat from the space to distribute around uninsulated pipes. Allow a drip of cold and hot water to leak overnight; however, beware not to run the water into a drain line that is exposed to the extreme cold since that line might freeze.
Insulate all pipelines in unheated locations or against uninsulated outdoors 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 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 decrease pressure on frozen pipelines and minimize flooding if the pipelines burst.
Use a hair dryer to thaw the ice clog if the frozen pipe is exposed and visible. (Do not use an open flame to thaw!) If frozen pipes are not visible, contact the experts at Midwest Plumbers.
If you currently discover slower water flow and anticipate frozen pipelines, you should call a plumbing technician right away. Typically, issues like this can be solved before any damage occurs.
If you experience frozen water pipes, call our Midwest Plumbers plumbing professionals, who utilize expert pipe-thawing equipment. Call or reserve a visit online. For a list of basement plumbing services -- consisting of water leakage service and laundry room upkeep -- check out our site or give us a ring.