Preventing Frozen Pipes in your home
Home owners should be aware of wintry weather and the issues it may cause. One expensive problem is ruptured pipes. Below are some frozen pipe precautions.
How Pipe Bursting Occurs
Inside pipes, freezing will create a blockage. As water freezes, it expands. You might have seen this with liquids stored in the freezer. A blockage can form elevated pressure along the pipe while it continues to freeze. The pipe may not always erupt at the location of the blockage. It can take place at another pressure point, usually at your faucets. It can take place within walls or even within kitchens and bathrooms.
Frozen Pipe Precautions
Pipes run through varying parts of your residence. There are separate options based on where the pipes are..
Outdoor Faucets
For pipes leading to the exterior, such as those for your outdoor faucets, you should turn off the water source and flush the lines. Given these will remain inactive during cold temperatures, it is not necessary to hold water in that section of pipe.
Indoor Pipes
For actively used pipes in your home, there are other alternatives. First, think about lining the pipes with a special material sold at your local hardware retailer. This is especially useful for pipes in basements. Pipes within the upper levels of a home can also burst. Be sure to keep your heat on even when you are away from home. A broken pipe will cause more damage than the cost of fuel.
Special Advice for Subzero Temperatures
Below zero temperatures require some special measures. First and foremost, keep your heat set at the normal temperature even when you are not home. Secondly, leave cabinets ajar to enable warmth to reach the pipes. Lastly, you may leave your faucet on at a drip slightly. This allows some pressure to escape.
Simple Solutions for Preventing Frozen Pipes May Prevent Headaches
Frozen pipes could lead to a lot of damage, particularly when it remains undiscovered for many hours. It is definitely worth the money and effort to take measures to avoid this problem by considering these frozen pipe precautions. Also check with your home insurance provider to find out if you have coverage for incidents such as bursting pipes.