Frozen Pipe Prevention Tips University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown PA

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

Follow these plumbing pointers to assist lessen the threat of freezing pipes, and to help prevent damage and expensive repairs.

Prevention Tips for Frozen Pipes

Open cabinet doors under sinks and in storage areas to permit heat from the space to distribute around uninsulated pipes. Allow a trickle of hot and cold water to leak over night; however, take care not to run the water into a drain line that is exposed to the extreme cold since that line might freeze.
Insulate all pipes in unheated locations or versus uninsulated outdoors walls, in garages or in crawl areas. Apply heat tape or thermostat-controlled heat cable televisions around pipes that are exposed and vulnerable to freezing.
Make sure the heat is turned on in the structure and is set no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Avoid Frozen Pipes

Turn off the water pipe leading into the structure to decrease pressure on frozen pipes and lessen flooding if the pipelines burst.
Utilize a hair clothes dryer to thaw the ice clog if the frozen pipeline is exposed and visible. (Do not use an open flame to thaw!) If frozen pipelines are not noticeable, call in the experts at Midwest Plumbers.
If you currently notice slower water flow and anticipate frozen pipelines, you must call a plumber immediately. Normally, concerns like this can be resolved before any damage happens.
If you experience frozen water pipes, contact our Midwest Plumbers plumbing experts, who utilize expert pipe-thawing devices. Call or book an appointment online. For a list of basement plumbing services -- including water leakage service and laundry room maintenance -- take a look at our site or offer us a ring.