Frozen Pipes Part 2

12/21/2017 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes in Casper Wyoming

How to prevent Frozen Pipes

• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage
• Open cabinet doors to kitchen and bathroom, and if there is a sink in the laundry room, to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing. Remember, by opening the cabinet doors, you are exposing all the harmful chemicals stored in these areas. Be sure to move them away from kids and pets.
• When the weather is at freezing temperatures, let cold water drizzle from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Doing this helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature (70 degrees) during the day and night. Your heating bill may be higher, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
• If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55 degrees.

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes

• If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
• Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.
• Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (keep away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame devices.
• Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
• If you have a frozen pipe it’s a good idea to check the others. Weather that is cold enough to freeze a single pipe will often freeze multiple pipes in the structure.