How to Prevent and handle Frozen Pipes
One Eighth of an inch crack can leak up to two fifty gallons of water a day causing flooding, structural damage , after forty eight hours mold can start growing every where water has came in contact.
When water is frozen especially in a water pipe, spigot pipe it expands ten percent more and causes the crack . Ice forms more when temperatures drop outside below freezing .
Cold wind removes heat from pipes and causes a great risk ice blockage and than expands and cracks pipes .
This first storm of the new year is bitterly cold temperatures. Single digit numbers is frozen pipes in unheated basements ( pipes not heated at least at 55 degrees ) which can get to crawl spaces and unheated parts any where in you residential home or commercial building .
Major Frozen Pipes Issues
Water freezes, than expands causes major pressure – Metal , plastic pipes will burst. All areas that are usually affected outdoor faucets, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines , and water faucets . Unheated interior spaces basements, attics , crawl spaces, garages, kitchen cabinets and dry wall cavities poorly insulated .
Pipe burst three common causes of frozen pipes :
Quick drop in temperature
Poor Insulation
Thermostats set below 55 degrees
Numerous steps to prevent pipes from freezing
Check insulation of pipes, water heaters wrapped tight with insulation in the basement – especially exposed pipes not insulated.
Electric heated tape can control wrap pipes that are located in garage not to burst or anything similar. Seal leaks that allow cold air inside near pipes are located . Air leaks can be near dryer vents , electrical wiring , and pipes. Use caulk or insulation to keep freezing temperatures coming into contact with pipes . Open cabinets so heat can get to pipes .
Pipes happened to freeze
If your turn faucet nothing comes out , leave them on and call a plumber .
Any where a pipe burst turn off main supply line located in basement, bathroom cabinet, and kitchen cabinet sink.
Heat from your vents, electric baseboards is the only safe way to unfreeze your pipes NO TORCHES!
You might possibly thaw a pipe with warm air from hair dryer or space heater- start at the section where it is the coldest .
Once again if your pipe burst turn off main supply line and call 911 or the fire department – might be a fire sprinkler pipe and need to fix pipe by code and the fire department will make sure everything is up to par and properly fixed . Sometimes pipe access is located in the walls and are located with and access panel it pops off and you can reach the pipe inside and turn off.
Also if you are going anywhere always leave the pipes heated – it is important to keep heat at fifty five degrees Fahrenheit