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Preventing and dealing with frozen pipes.
Water is one of nature’s most powerful forces. If you doubt that statement, just check out the Grand Canyon. It’s a great example of how water can penetrate, erode and destroy just about anything, including mountains.
Water gets its power from motion. And one of the ways water can move is to expand when frozen. When water turns to ice, it simply takes up more space than when it is in its liquid form. And when water freezes within the pipes in your home, those pipes will inevitably crack or burst leaving you to deal with a plumbing emergency.
However, a little knowledge and a healthy dose of preparation can help you avoid this home plumbing problem.
Obviously, the more exposed a pipe is, the more susceptible it is to freezing. These pipes include outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and water supply lines in unheated interior spaces like basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages or even kitchen cabinets. Pipes that run along exterior walls without adequate insulation are
also frequent victims. If you have these scenarios in your home, you should pay special attention to those pipes.
Drain pool and sprinkler lines. Drain, detach and store outdoor hoses. Insulate any exposed pipes (even hot water lines). Keep garage doors closed. Open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing. You can even let the water trickle from your faucets during particular cold periods to prevent water from freezing.
If you suspect the water in your pipes has frozen, contact your local Rescue Rooter plumbing professional immediately. Quick action might save your home from serious damage.
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