Burst Pipe Prevention Tips

When temperatures dip below freezing and cold air blows into the building, plumbing on the exterior walls, like the one when you read the article, are susceptible to freezing and bursting.

The name of the game is to keep plumbing and walls warm.

• Exterior – Seal all cracks, holes, windows, doors and other openings on exterior walls with caulk or insulation to prevent cold air from penetrating the wall cavity. For the exterior of your home, let an expert handle this. In lifetime exteriors, you can get a perfect window replacement, exterior door, or even siding for your home.
• Exterior – Close Valves. Close the valves located indoors that supply your outdoor hose bibs. Open hose bibs to allow all the water to drain out of them and then close it back up.
• Interior – Insulate and seal attic penetrations such as partition walls, vents, plumbing stacks, and electric and mechanical chases. A good service like this indiana professional plumber can regularly inspect your home’s plumbing to avoid potential issues. During cold weather, a chilly draft is enough to push your pipes to the point of freezing.  Fix any broken windows, use weatherstripping, close off crawl spaces. Look for a professional in plumbing to inspect all the pipes that need to be fixed, Carlson Plumbing Company offers emergency plumbing services in Vancouver WA.
• Relieve Pipe Pressure – Allow faucets to drip during extreme cold weather to prevent freezing of the water inside the pipe, and if freezing does occur, to relieve pressure buildup in the pipes between the ice blockage and faucet.
• Keep the Building Warm – Favor climate control and defending against cold temps, over energy efficiency.  Install heat strips for heat pump and keep it on and above 55 degrees.  Install a monitoring system that provides notifications if the building’s temperature dips below a pre-determined number. Replacing old windows can also help improve insulation and keep the building warmer. If you’re in need of window replacement services, visit this link to get these services and ensure your building stays warm and comfortable.
• Insulate Vulnerable Pipes – Insulate pipes most vulnerable to freezing by using pipe insulation.  Pay extra attention to non-temperature controlled areas like the garage and basement.
• Monitor Fire Protection Sprinkler Systems – Monitor by using a central station to provide early detection of a pipe failure and heat unheated sprinkler control rooms. For fire protection, you can check on DuraBarrier USA.
• Install Backup Power – Provide a reliable backup power source to ensure heat to the building.
• Drain Water System – If the property is unoccupied or not in use, drain water system.  Homeowners, if you must leave town during unpredictable winter weather, consider shutting off the water.
• Train Staff / Occupants on Location of Shutoff Valves – Educate others on where your shuttoff valves are located, so if you do have a burst pipe, this measure can be enacted efficiently to minimize damage.

If you’re dealing with water damage from burst pipes, don’t hesitate to call the Elite restortation in Twin Falls, ID. Lastly, if you need professional plumbing services to work on your pipes, make sure to hire an expert like plumbers mentor.