How to Prevent Your Pipes for Freezing
With the winter upon us here in New England it isn’t uncommon to see pipes within your plumbing to freeze. If you are a first-time homeowner or unfamiliar with this type of issue occurring, it is important to learn what to do and how to prepare. We wanted to write this blog as the prevention of pipes freezing can save you money in the long run. Read this blog to learn more!
Why they freeze
Freezing pipes occur due to extreme low temperatures. The greater Boston area is no stranger to extremely cold temps. It is industry knowledge that around 20 degrees Fahrenheit and below is the point pipes will freeze.
Your homes internal heating should keep your pipes unfrozen with temperatures above 20 Fahrenheit. Pipes freeze when temps go much lower or your home has poor insulation from the outside. Specific sections of pipe can freeze if the insulation between the home of the walls and exterior of your home wasn’t insulated properly.
How to prevent Pipes from Freezing
If the weather forecasted is to be lower than 20 degrees, there are some things your can do to prevent pipes from freezing. Understanding how the pipes in your home are laid out and which ones are susceptible to freezing is helpful. If you know a pipe is susceptible to freezing due to where its located, you can leave the faucet its connected on with a slow drip. This ensure the water is constantly moving through the pipe.
Pipes already frozen? What to do!
If a pipe in your home has frozen, here are a few things you can do. First, make sure the pipe hasn’t burst. Pipes burst due to waters expanding as it freezes. If the pipe has yet to burst, you can attempt to heat up the pipe if you can reach it. Be sure not to use an open flame or torch as the drastic temperature change can crack the pipe. Use warm water on cloth towel or a blow dryer! Turn on the faucets closest to the freeze and continually add warmth until water begins to come through. Until the temperature outside warms up, keep the faucet dripping to ensure the pipe doesn’t re-freeze
If the pipe bursts, be sure to go to your main water shutoff valve and cut the source of flowing water. At this point it is best to call a Fagone Plumbing and remove clean up the water the resulted due to the pipe bursting. From there, we will recommend the best solution for how extensive the burst was.
Questions or Concerns- Call Fagone Plumbing
If you have questions or are concerned with upcoming weather potentially freezing your pipes, give Fagone Plumbing a call today. A ruptured pipe can be costly and is an avoidable occurrence. We are here to answer your plumbing and heating questions!