Prevent Frozen Pipes
Posted: December 28, 2017
One of the biggest risks to a homeowner when the weather turns extremely cold is the dreaded frozen pipe. As you probably know, when a pipe freezes, it’s at risk to burst, and a burst pipe can cause you a ton of trouble and money—so here are some tips to help you avoid this fate:
- If you plan to be away from home in winter, leave your thermostat set no lower than 55° F.
- If you haven’t already done so, turn off the water supply to your outdoor spigot, and leave the outdoor valve in the open positon.
- Caulk or plug holes that allow cold air near water lines.
- Open kitchen cabinet doors to allow heat into areas where water pipes may be located.
- Check in and around your home for water lines in colder or unheated areas. Insulate both cold and hot water lines in areas such as your garage, crawl spaces, and your attic. Consider electric heat tape or a heated cable if the area stays cold and can’t be easily warmed up.
- If the cold weather is severe or sustained, allow small trickle or warm and cold water through the faucet.
If your pipes freeze:
- Leave the water faucet slightly open.
- Use a space heater or a hair dryer to thaw the frozen section of the pipe.
- Keep the area as warm as possible, or wrap pipes with thermostatically controlled heat tape to keep pipes from freezing again.
- If you see any water coming from the pipe, call a plumber immediately.
Everyone here at Wilson Oil and Propane is committed to your comfort; please call us if there is anything we can do to help you stay safe and warm this winter.
