Headed out of town for the long weekend? While temperatures are looking to be pretty warm, it’s still best to prep in case things change because the weather, if anything, is unpredictable!
A huge concern is frozen pipes and a common question we get is: what’s the best way to keep my pipes from freezing or, worse still, that they burst and flood my home while I’m gone?
We always recommend you turn your water off at the street level by getting a water key.
If your pipes end up freezing, turning your water off alleviates the pressure and helps keep them from bursting.
When you get home and your pipes are indeed frozen, here is what you do next:
- Open the faucet and leave it open. The frozen pipe and other frozen areas will start to melt, and water will soon flow through the frozen area. As the water runs it will help the ice that’s in the pipe melt. Keep in mind, frozen pipes are usually found against exterior walls or where the water service enters your home through the foundation.
- Beginning with the section closest to the faucet, apply heat to the pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, or by wrapping the pipe with towels and then pouring hot water over them (you may want to put a bucket under the towel to catch the runoff water). Do not use an open flame to thaw the pipes.
- Continue with heat application until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area cannot be reached, or if the pipe will not thaw, call a licensed plumber.
- Be sure to check all other faucets in case there are additional frozen pipes.
If you notice any cracks in the pipe, turn off the main water supply to the house, and close all faucets.
In the event you do experience water damage, remember, Blue Chip Restoration provides 24/7 emergency response to floods for your home and commercial property. Call us at 615.832.5300
Have a wonderful Christmas!