How to Prevent Your Pipes from Freezing
Winters can get very cold here in Somerset, Kentucky, which is why it is essential to know all about proper pipe care in subzero temperatures. Especially with recent weather patterns, freezing pipes may be more and more of an issue. Frozen pipes are the leading cause of property damage during cold weather and dealing with the destructive aftermath is incredibly expensive. We here at Epperson Inc are here to help you with all of your plumbing needs, including handling and preventing frozen pipes.
Signs of a Frozen Pipe
The clearest sign of a frozen pipe is a pipe that is bulging or is covered in frost. If there seems to be a lot of ice coming out of the pipe, it is likely that it has already burst, and you will need to call someone to get fixed. Other less obvious signs include slow running water, low water pressure, or bad smells coming from the drains or faucets.
Will Frozen Pipes Thaw On Their Own
If your pipes do freeze, you’ll want to be able to handle the situation appropriately. Doing so is important because if you don’t address it appropriately, you may end up with damaged pipes, a non-functional plumbing, or even a flooded home.
The first step to take is to turn off your water to avoid any accidental leakage. If you’re not sure exactly how to do this, don’t hesitate to call us at Epperson Inc. We have licensed plumbers waiting to help you with these exact issues. When the temperature rises above freezing, your pipes will thaw on their own. You may here gurgling and other sounds from your pipes as they thaw and water starts moving through them again. If there is a section of pipe that you want to thaw, you can apply heat with a hair dryer, space heater, or other gentle, radiant heat. Do not use any sort of flame to heat pipes, as that may cause more damage.
Avoid Letting Your Pipes Freeze
One of the best ways to care for your pipes is by ensuring that you pay attention to the outdoor temperatures. Once those start to drop (particularly below 20 degrees Fahrenheit), it is vital to keep your pipes running, especially if you don’t have them insulated. Open your faucets to drip before the temperature drops and you may be able to prevent your pipes from freezing. Then, if they do freeze, any excess pressure can be released before it bursts the pipes.
There are other steps you can take as well to be cautious about your pipes freezing in your home, and these steps are much easier and more affordable than what you would have to go through if you let them freeze. You will want to keep warm air circulating around your home, including your basement and closets. You will also want to make sure that your thermostat does not go below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, even when you are away from the house. This will help to keep the pipes inside your home from freezing.
Interior Pipes Can Freeze, Too
Don’t just focus on your exterior water pipes when it comes to those that can freeze. Your interior pipes in colder parts of your home are also at risk. However, we are here to help you avoid that risk so that you can be comfortable in your home. You can choose to have our professional pipe insulation installed to keep your home safe and protected, even when the temperature drops. This helps avoid the inconvenience and expense that comes with damaged pipes. Give us a call with any of your plumbing concerns, and we can ensure that you take all the necessary steps to keep your home in the best condition possible.
Contact Us
Here at Epperson, Inc, we provide all the air conditioning, heating, plumbing, and electric services you could ever need. Our licensed professionals will help you with any issues you may be freezing, including teaching you how to prevent your pipes from freezing. Contact Us or call us at (606) 679-7476 today with any of your questions - we also can provide emergency services. We proudly serve Somerset, Bronston, Burnside, Eubank, Ferguson, Nancy, Science Hill, Tateville, Stearns, Pine Knot, and Strunk, KY.
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