Preventing Frozen Pipes

This winter’s continuing deep freezes have kept us with frozen pipe repairs. A burst pipe can cause extensive and expensive damage to your home and possessions.

Here’s the problem: Water expands as it freezes putting tremendous pressure on whatever contains it including plumbing pipes. No matter how strong, expanding water can cause pipes to break. Pipes that run against exterior walls and those in unheated areas like basements and crawlspaces, attics, garages and kitchen cabinets are the most likely to freeze.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

• If your garage contains water supply lines, keep doors closed.
• During extreme cold snaps, let cold water drip from a faucet. Even a trickle will prevent pipes from freezing.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate.
• Open doors of closets that contain water pipes to allow heat to circulate
• Keep your thermostat set to the same temperature day and night until more temperate temperatures return.
• If you’re to be away from your home, never lower the heat in your home below 55 degrees.

What to Do If You Suspect Your Pipes May Be Frozen

If when you turn on a tap water flow is lower than usual, chances are that your pipes are freezing. NEVER attempt to thaw a pipe with a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, or any other open flame device.

Frozen pipes can be thawed using an electric heating pad or hair dryer or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. But even if you can get access to a frozen pipe, chances are that there may be other frozen sections in areas that are not easily accessible. Be aware of the danger of using electrical devices in the presence of standing water! The safest and most effective thing you can do is to open a tap to a trickle, and call your Stan Perkoski’s professional at 866-PERKOSKI (866-737-5675).

Future Protection

• Locate and insulate freeze-vulnerable piping. Because much of this is not easy to reach or locate, this is a job best left to your Stan Perkoski’s professional. Give us a call at 866-PERKOSKI (866-5675).
• Consider relocating exposed pipes for increased protection. Contact your Stan Perkoski’s professionals for a FREE consultation.
• Add insulation to attics, basements and crawlspaces.