A cold spell pushing down from the north will increase the likelihood of frozen pipes bursting.
Here at Micro Plumbing, Inc. we have some suggestions for those who want to avoid the cost and headaches that can be associated with bursting pipes:
1.) Wrap galvanized, copper and/or PVC pipes with pipe sleeves, heat tape or other specific pipe insulators. Newspaper can even be used as an insulator to help stop any drafts. The same precautions should be taken with pipes facing outside walls.
2.) Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow room temperature air to circulate around the plumbing. A safe heater on a tile, vinyl or cement floor that is level and has no carpet or rug around area it also my help in warming a cabinet.
3.) Allow the hot and cold water to slowly flow from the faucet served by exposed or outside wall pipes. Running water through the pipe, even at a trickle to a small stream helps prevent pipes from freezing. Hot-water pipes actually freeze before cold-water pipes.
4.) Keep your thermostat set constant temperature both during the day and at night.
5.) If leaving home for a few days, set the thermostat no lower than 55 degrees.
6.) If you have a room with a bathroom or room over the garage that is cold and has a tendency to be cold or have frozen pipes you may want your plumber to install a gas heater in the garage. This would in keeping the room and pipes warm.
7.) If pipes do freeze, open the faucet that it serves before it thaws or before applying any heat to relieve pressure. If the frozen pipes are copper with brass fittings for valves, never apply torch heat to them because they can explode or loosen the joint.
If you find you do have a frozen pipe then give Micro Plumbing, Inc. a call (402) 895-1212. BIG OR SMALL WE DO IT ALL!! We are here to help you with every plumbing need you may have.
Care and Prevention