Frozen Pipe Prevention Tips Mount Vernon VA

The severe cold combined with wind chill develops a substantial 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 produce excessive pressure throughout the system and trigger pipeline failure in vulnerable locations-- no matter if the pipeline is made of plastic, copper or steel. Even a small 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 company.

Follow these plumbing tips to help decrease the danger of freezing pipelines, 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 flow around uninsulated pipelines. Allow a trickle of cold and hot water to drip over night; however, take care not to run the water into a drain line that is exposed to the extreme cold since that line may freeze.
Insulate all pipes in unheated areas or versus uninsulated outdoors walls, in garages or in crawl spaces. Apply heat tape or thermostat-controlled heat cable televisions 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 down the water pipe leading into the structure to reduce pressure on frozen pipes and reduce flooding if the pipes 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 pipes are not noticeable, employ the professionals at Midwest Plumbers.
If you presently discover slower water flow and anticipate frozen pipelines, you should call a plumbing technician immediately. Typically, issues like this can be solved before any damage takes place.
If you experience frozen pipes, contact our Midwest Plumbers plumbing specialists, who use expert pipe-thawing equipment. Call or schedule a consultation online. For a list of basement plumbing services -- including water leakage service and utility room maintenance -- check out our site or provide us a ring.