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Water Pipes
The danger of pipes freezing exists when
temperatures drop below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit) and stay
there for 48 hours. Therefore, a very serious window of vulnerability
exists now and, if you haven't done so already, now is the time to
take all necessary precautions to protect against the effects of these
sub-freezing temperatures, including the potentially very great danger
of burst water pipes and the severe damage they can cause. Bear in
mind that a pipe that has frozen and has a crack as small as
one-eighth of an inch can pour out 250 gallons of water a day!
Here are some
suggestions to prevent frozen pipes in your home:
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Areas where there are pipes
should not get below 55 degrees. All pipes that are exposed to the
cold should be properly insulated.
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Openings that allow cold air
inside to areas near pipes should be sealed. Add insulation to
attics, basements, and crawl spaces to maintain higher temperatures
in these areas.
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Where and when advisable to do
so, let warm water drip from an inside faucet during the cold snap.
If a faucet doesn't run when turned on, leave the faucet turned on
and call a plumber immediately. If pipes have frozen and burst
already, have the water turned off at the main shut off valve.
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If pipes have already frozen,
do not let anyone use a blowtorch to thaw out the pipes. While
waiting for the plumber to arrive, use a hair dryer to warm the
frozen pipes.
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Try to protect any items that
could be damaged by water coming from burst pipes. Turn off
electricity in the effected area and keep the electrical power off
in/around flooded areas until it is safe to turn it back on.
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Leave taps / faucets nearest
to the frozen pipes turned on slightly so that built-up pressure has
an escape route when pipes thaw.
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Remove, drain, and store hoses
used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open
the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain and keep the outside
valve open so that water remaining in the pipe can expand without
causing the pipe to break.
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Keep garage doors closed if
there are water supply lines in the garage.
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Open kitchen and bathroom
cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes.
Move all harmful household cleaners from the cabinets if there are
children or pets in your home.
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Keep the thermostat set to the
same temperature both during the day and at night.
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