A few preventative steps can keep the water flowing even in sub-freezing temperatures. Alabama is bracing for frigid temperatures and that raises concerns over protecting your home's water pipes. A broken water pipe can be a messy - and costly - situation. According to Huntsville Utilities, there are six basic things you can do to prevent pipes from freezing in cold weather:. You can leave only one dripping faucet but you want to make sure it's in the right location.
If you know where your water comes into your house, turn on a cold water faucet at the other end of the house to allow for water to travel through the entire system. Here are some other suggestions from Huntsville Utilities:. Are you planning on going out of town for the holidays this winter? Leave a water faucet that's located as far away from where water enters your home on a slow drip.
The reason the location matters is that being far away from the source requires the entire system to be pressurized and prevents freezing. Also, keep the programmable thermostat set no lower than 58 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure warm, circulating air and not-frozen pipes. Also, ask a friend or family member to stop by and check for any plumbing problems every few days - especially if you know cold temperatures, ice, or snow are in the forecast while you're away.
Dripping the faucets is one weather precaution you need to take to keep plumbing problems from occurring. Insulate all exterior and interior piping that has the potential to freeze, and take caution before bad weather strikes by draining and cleaning the hot water heater , checking for existing leaks , and getting the advice of a trained professional plumber if you notice any plumbing problems.
Do you need help with winterizing your home? Do you have a plumbing emergency that needs immediate attention? Contact our knowledgeable and friendly team at Warner Service today to schedule a plumbing appointment. You can also subscribe to our weekly blog for more tips. Pipes that freeze most frequently are: Pipes that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and water sprinkler lines.
Water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation. How to Protect Pipes From Freezing Before the onset of cold weather, protect your pipes from freezing by following these recommendations: Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer's or installer's directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines unless directed.
Antifreeze is environmentally harmful, and is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping. Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain.
Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break. Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas. Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are located in unheated areas. Look in the garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated.
Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like a "pipe sleeve" or installing UL-listed "heat tape," "heat cable," or similar materials on exposed water pipes. Consider relocating exposed pipes to provide increased protection from freezing.
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