24/7 Emergency Service
Protect Pipes During Freezing Weather
1/25/2019 (Permalink)
Our recent weather has had us going from one extreme to the other. It's 70 degrees one day, and 30 degrees the next! We've had more than a few nights when the temperature was at or below freezing.
Be aware that freezing weather may cause frozen or burst water pipes.
TIPS TO AVOID FROZEN PIPES
If you are concerned about your plumbing pipes freezing, it is helpful to leave a faucet running - not full blast, but just a little faster than a drip. Leave cabinet doors open so that room temperature air can reach the pipes. Also, if you are out of town or if the home or business is unoccupied, set your thermostat at or above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, you can keep pipes warm by wrapping them with pipe insulation; or in a pinch, use newspaper. If you have water supply lines in your garage, keep the garage doors closed.
IF PIPES ARE FROZEN (Not Burst)
If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle of water comes out, you may have a frozen pipe.
Shut off water immediately, as freezing may cause unseen cracks.
To help thaw pipes, apply heat to frozen section by using a heating pad or handheld hair dryer. You may also use a portable space heater, but ensure that it is kept away from flammable materials.
Once the pipes have thawed, slowly turn the water back on, and check for any leaks or cracks.
If you are not able to determine which pipes are frozen - if they fail to thaw - or if any have cracked or burst, call a licensed plumber.
Please see link below if you experience water damage, and call SERVPRO of Aiken for 24/7 emergency service.
803-648-3936