Preparing for an Arctic blast: How to prevent your pipes from freezing
As millions of Americans in the eastern half of the country face frigid temperatures and even-colder wind chills this weekend, many homeowners are brushing up on their cold-weather preparation.聽
One easily overlooked risk for homeowners and renters is freezing water pipes. The Red Cross warns that pipe freezing is likely to of bitter cold conditions. 聽
Frozen pipes can leave residents without running water or, worse, result in a hefty repair bill. According to the American Red Cross the are those in areas like basements or garages with little聽insulation, as well as outdoor hose installations like spigots and sprinkler systems. The Red Cross also notes that pipes hugging exterior walls with little to no insulation are also at risk of freezing.
Taking precautions ahead of time can help you prevent potential pipe catastrophes.聽
One simple precaution is聽. Allowing cold water to trickle from a faucet can alleviate pressure and prevent a rupture even if freezing occurs.
鈥淥ne sink is good. Usually the farthest sink from where the water comes into the house,鈥� Henrico Fire spokesman Captain Daniel Rosenbaum WTVR in Richmond, Va. 鈥淭hat way, the water is flowing through all of the pipes on the underside of the house.鈥�
While dripping a sink during extreme cold spells can be a last-minute way to stave off frozen pipes, there are other ways to prepare in advance for a cold-snap.
- : Insulating exposed pipes can reduce energy costs to heat water during the water.
- : By placing a cover on outdoor spigots and faucets to reduce the possibility these fixtures build up with ice.
- : Maintaining a nighttime temperature that is similar to the daytime home temperature may run up the heating bill in the winter. However, it could save thousands of dollars if you suffer a catastrophic pipe rupture.
Unfortunately, none of these solutions are foolproof, so if pipes do freeze, there are steps homeowners can take to mitigate the damage 鈥� if the pipes are accessible.
- : You do not need to make the room toasty, just warm enough to keep the pipes thawed.
- : Use a hair-dryer and blow warm air on the pipe or wrap towels soaked in warm water around the pipe.
- If the pipe is not accessible?: Call a licensed plumber.
: Do not use any kind of gas or blow torch on the frozen area. It could cause damage to the pipes or cause a fire.
