Frozen Pipe Prevention Tips Mechanicsburg PA

The extreme cold integrated with wind chill produces a significant risk for burst or frozen pipes. Freezing water relies on ice within the pipeline, which in turn can expand and obstruct the line. This obstruction can create excessive pressure throughout the system and cause pipe failure in vulnerable places-- no matter if the pipe is made from plastic, copper or steel. Even a small fracture can let loose more than 250 gallons of water in a single day. The results of frozen pipes can trigger home damage, high repair work expenses and disturbance of business.

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

Prevention Tips for Frozen Pipes

Open cabinet doors under sinks and in storage locations to enable heat from the space to circulate around uninsulated pipelines. Permit a drip of cold and hot water to leak over night; nevertheless, beware 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 spaces. Apply heat tape or thermostat-controlled heat cable televisions around pipes 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 minimize pressure on frozen pipelines and reduce flooding if the pipelines burst.
Use a hair dryer to thaw the ice obstruction if the frozen pipeline is exposed and visible. (Do not utilize an open flame to thaw!) If frozen pipes are not visible, contact the professionals at Midwest Plumbers.
If you currently see slower water circulation and expect frozen pipes, you should call a plumber right away. Generally, issues like this can be fixed before any damage occurs.
If you experience frozen pipes, contact our Midwest Plumbers plumbing professionals, who use professional pipe-thawing devices. Call or book an appointment online. For a list of basement plumbing services -- including water leak service and laundry room maintenance -- take a look at our site or give us a ring.