To prevent frozen pipes during Northern Utah’s wickedly cold winter weather, your plumbing might need a little extra care.
Freezing temperatures can cause pipes to burst, releasing a flood of water that causes significant property damage. Fortunately, you can take simple steps to avoid this costly plumbing problem. Read on for a professional plumber’s advice on how to prevent frozen pipes this winter.
Keep Your Cabinets Open
Pipes inside kitchen and bathroom cabinets are at risk of freezing during a cold snap. To allow warmer air to circulate around your plumbing, keep your cabinet doors open. If you have young children, move household cleaners and potentially harmful products out of reach first.
Let the Cold Water Drip
Running water can help prevent frozen pipes. When the temperature outside dips below freezing, let cold water trickle from your faucets that are served by exposed pipes.
Don’t Turn Down the Thermostat at Night
If northern Utah is hit with cold weather, resist the urge to turn down your thermostat before you go to bed. Keeping the inside temperature at a constant level can help prevent your pipes from freezing
Add Extra Insulation
Pipes running through unheated interior spaces like basements, attics and crawl spaces are among the most likely to freeze during a cold snap. To avoid this plumbing problem, add foam pipe insulation or thermostatically-controlled heat tape.
Keep Your Garage Closed
Do you have water supply lines in your garage? If so, keep the doors closed so that the space stays warmer. You might also want to consider adding insulation to the plumbing in your garage to reduce the risk of the pipes freezing.
How Do You Thaw Frozen Pipes?
If your water flow hasn’t completely stopped, you can try to thaw the frozen area. Keep the faucet open and apply heat to the affected pipes until full water pressure is restored. For a heat source, you can use an electric hair dryer, taking care to keep the cord away from dripping water. Or, try wrapping the pipes with towels or blankets soaked in hot water.
Thawing frozen pipes may not be easy, particularly when the problem area is located out of reach. If you can’t get yours thawed or would rather have a professional plumber handle the job, contact American Plumbing Services.
Our team provides around-the-clock emergency plumbing services, including frozen pipe repair, to homes and businesses throughout northern Utah and the greater Salt Lake City area. And, we’re happy to offer expert advice to help you avoid future plumbing problems. If you need emergency repair or want to learn more about how to prevent frozen pipes this winter, contact our Provo office today.
