Friday, January 30, 2015

Pro-Line Contractors and Roofers - Preventing Pipes from Freezing and Bursting

PREVENT YOUR PIPES FROM FREEZING:



Don't want this to happen?? Me neither! There's a few simple ways to prevent your pipes from freezing and if you don't know them, it could cost you $$THOUSANDS$$ in water damage repairs.

Keep in mind....most pipe bursts happen in basement plumbing lines. Also, water freezes at 32 degrees so never leave your home temperature below freezing!


Going on vacation or leaving your home in the winter? Even if you expect an over night freeze, draining the water system can give you peace of mind. First, shut off the main water valve. Then, turn on all fixtures (including hot and cold faucets) until water completely stops running. It's ok to close the fixtures when the water stops since now the pipes are filled with air and will not break from the cold. Once you arrive back home, simply turn on the main water valve and open all the fixtures until water is flowing through them again.

Insulating your pipes, especially pipes that run through unheated spaces can help too. Insulation costs pennies compared to the damage burst pipes can create. There is also, UL approved heat tape that can be applied to unprotected pipes.

Let the water drip in faucets where pipes are not protected. Again, make sure both hot and cold lines are dripping. 

Laundry Room: If your laundry room doesn't have a faucet to drip, make sure you run a cycle in your washer when the weather is going to be below freezing.

Sinks on exterior walls: Open the cabinets covering pipes to allow heat to get to them.


Ice maker: If you have an ice maker - make sure it is set to MAKE ICE when it's cold. This will prevent the lines from freezing and creating more problems than too many ice cubes.

Sprinklers and hoses: Always turn your sprinkler system off and run compressed air through the line. And don't forget to disconnect all water hoses and drain them before the first freeze.

 -Dave Ashley
(708)479-1237
prolinehome@aol.com