Winter is on its way, which means cold weather and cold air. Winters in St. Cloud see regular below-freezing temperatures, meaning that frozen pipes are a real concern.
So today, the team at Roto-Rooter is here with some useful tips on how to avoid frozen pipes this winter.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
Follow these tips to prevent frozen pipes this winter.
Seal Air Leaks
Cold air can make water pipes freeze even faster. Seal any air leaks near exterior walls with caulk or insulation. Pay special attention to piping near outlets, doors, and dryer vents. You should also look for leaks in your basement and near water heaters.
Drain Water From Outside Lines
Garden hoses can retain water, making freezing pipes more likely in the winter. When the cold season sets in, drain all hoses and water sprinkler lines and store them out of the cold. You should also shut off water to outside faucets and drain your swimming pool supply lines to prevent damage during the winter.
Use a Space Heater
If you have exposed pipes running through small areas like crawl spaces, you can use space heaters. You don't need to turn the heater all the way up—just enough to keep the pipes above freezing. Warm air from a space heater heats pipes and prevents cold water from freezing.
Run Warm Water
In periods of extreme cold, you can run a tiny trickle of warm water to avoid frozen pipes this winter. Make sure you turn the faucets off when the temperature rises again.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Pipes in enclosed spaces near your home's exterior wall may require extra insulation. You can install pipe sleeves, heat cablers, or fiberglass insulation to protect vulnerable plumbing.
Get Regular Plumbing Service
Water pipes are more likely to freeze when they have residue that can hold water in place. That is why regular plumbing service and drain cleaning can prevent pipes from freezing during the winter.
Thawing a Frozen Pipe
If you have any problems this winter, there are a few things you can do to thaw frozen pipes.
First, turn off the water supply lines to the pipe in question and open the faucets. Next, use heat tape, an electric heating pad, or a hair dryer on the pipe section. As the ice melts, you should see more water coming out of the faucet.
Avoid using anything with an open flame to heat the pipes, as these could cause a fire or damage piping materials. If water flow does not return after heating, you may have a burst pipe and will need to call an expert.
Contact Us Today
You can avoid frozen pipes this winter with regular plumbing service. Roto-Rooter dedicates itself to providing best-in-class plumbing work. We also offer industrial plumbing services, such as septic tank pumping and hydro excavation. When you have a plumbing issue, you need an emergency plumber you can trust.
Contact us online or call today at (320) 207-1079 to schedule frozen pipe repair, water cleanup, or general plumbing services!
