Cold Weather Pipe Protection |
After 3 rounds of snow storms in 3 weeks, the Denver metro area has another round of snow heading it's way. With this storm, the forecasters are stating that there won't be too much snow, not several feet, just several inches, but there will be several days of really cold weather. When cold weather approaches, water pipe (both copper and PVC) freezing is a big concern. An 1/8" crack in a pipe can spew as much as 250 gallons of water a day. Do you know ways to keep your pipes safe from freezing?
If there are water lines in the garage, i.e. hot water heater, keep your garage door closed.
Make sure that all hoses attached to spigots are removed with spigots turned off.
Keep your thermostat at a constant temperature during the day and night. If you are going to be gone from home, make sure that your heat is set at 65 degrees or above.
Open cabinet doors where water pipes are located allowing for heat to circulate around the plumbing. Do make sure that all chemicals are removed from those cabinets to keep your family safe.
If the weather is extremely cold, let the cold water trickle from the indoor faucets where the pipes are on outside walls.
If pipes do crack / burst, turn off the water to the area and if needed to the entire house. Contact a specialist to help you mediate the water damage. Contact a plumber to repair the pipes. Contact your insurance agent.
