During the winter months, when low temperatures occur, it is important to prepare for freezing of pipes and the possibility of them bursting. When a pipe bursts damage can happen quickly and can worsen until problem is resolved. The following tips can help you protect your home.
Prevent your pipes from freezing:
- Insulate pipes, especially those that are close to outside walls or attics.
- Disconnect all gardening hoses, install covers on all outside faucets and turn off water to hose and sprinklers.
- Make sure the furnace is set no lower than 55 degrees when you leave your house.
- Open cabinet doors below sinks to allow heat to circulate.
- Identify the locations of the main water valves so that you can stop the flow of water if needed.
- Keep garage doors closed if you have a water supply line in the garage.
- Allow a faucet to drip slightly in order to minimize freezing. The water should be lukewarm.
If a Pipe Freezes:
- Open all faucets,
- If the pipe is frozen, you can heat water on a stove, then soak rags in the water and wrap them around the frozen pipes.
- Try thawing the pipe by starting with the one closest to the faucet. Turn on faucet so water can drip out.
If a Pipe Bursts:
- Shut off water in the main valve.
- Close valve on top of water heater if the break is a hot water pipe
- Call a plumber
- If pipe bursts call you insurance company to file a claim
If the water damage from a burst pipe causes you to be out of your home for any length of time call THD at 800-817-3220 to help you setup hotel of temporary housing accommodations while the repairs are made.
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