Frozen Pipes are No Joke!
When the temperature DROPS, Frozen Pipes become the GREATEST risk of damage to property.
DID YOU KNOW?
-that almost 40% of all frozen pipe failure happen in basements?
-The average cost of having a pipe burst is $5000.00
-A 1/8th inch crack spews 250 gallons PER DAY!
Baby, it’s COLD OUTSIDE!
During this cold-snap you can save yourself not only a huge hassle but also a costly one if you keep your pipes from freezing.
Here are some tips on how you can PREVENT Frozen Pipes.
1: Lower your Water Heater temperature. The higher your temperature the more pressure it creates. Check and see what yours is set at and if it’s higher than 140 degrees drop it down as low as 120.
2: Seal ALL openings in your exterior walls that allow cold air inside.
3: Check interior walls where utilities enter the house and caulk or insulate any openings were cold air is detected.
4: Pipes in unheated areas (Attic/Basement/Storage Closet) should be insulated and for areas that experience harsh winters (Hello Baltimore!) you might as well insulate all accessible pipes.
5: Keep the thermostat set to at least 55 degrees
6: Shut valves on exterior hose bibs, or faucets and drain the lines completely. Keep the spigots open to prevent pressure build up.
7: Water Leak Detectors can be a smart investment. Not only can they save you from having to deal with restoration and repair costs they can also LOWER your home insurance premium (check with your insurance carrier).
And JUST IN CASE…
Frozen Pipe Procedures
If the pipe is NOT BROKEN: Use a hair dryer, heat lamp, space heater or electric lamp. Focus the heating where the pipe comes in from the wall. Monitor the process regularly and once water flows from the faucet you are done. DO NOT use OPEN FLAME to thaw your pipes. This is a catastrophe in the making and, well, just DON’T DO IT! Call the plumber not the Fire Department.
No Water? Hopefully, you will have only one frozen pipe to deal with BUT if you are not getting water from any faucet and your pipes are not frosted over you may have a problem outside of your home with your main water line either into or out from your water meter. Here in Baltimore, you can check to see if there are any water main breaks that may be affecting you: Baltimore City Water Main Repair Map
If you have a pipe burst
1: SHUT your water main and water heater valves off
2: If you are in the Baltimore, MD area CALL US. (if you are not in our service area contact your local plumber immediately).
