Be careful of frozen pipes this winter

12/15/2017 (Permalink)

Don't Let Your Water Pipes Freeze This Winter

Everyone has had it happen. It's a cold day. You switch on the tap, and there's no water. Frozen pipes are frustrating. Then, you have to worry about how quickly they'll thaw out and what will happen when they do. As Oklahoma City temperatures drop, the likelihood of pipes freezing and water damage increases. It could happen at your home or your business, and it will probably occur at the most inconvenient time. Fortunately, there are measures that you can practice to protect your pipes from freezing weather. Oklahoma City gets less freezing weather than other parts of the country, but it is a real concern in Edmond.

Insulating water pipes is an excellent long-term solution to prevent Tulsa water damage. Pipe blankets should be installed on hot and cold water lines. They block condensation and keep pipes from freezing. Pipe wraps also prevent heat loss, so they can save energy and help you reduce water heating costs, during those cold spells in Edmond, OK.

Weatherizing your home is another way to save energy and protect your pipes from water damage. Insulate crawlspaces. Install vapor barriers, and caulk small cracks and gaps where cold air enters. Pay extra attention to areas where pipes and utility lines pass through the foundation.

Good habits will also keep your pipes safe on the coldest nights. Listen to local weather reports for the greater Oklahoma City area. If temperatures are anticipated to drop below freezing, prepare your plumbing for the cold weather. 

Opening your faucets during cold weather is one of the most effective and dependable ways to prevent frozen pipes and water damage. Ordinarily, you'll have the best results if you turn on faucets that are furthest away from the water main.You might also want to turn on faucets in cold areas that are prone to freezing in your Stillwater neighborhood.

Pipes that pass through crawlspaces, cupboards and unheated areas are especially vulnerable. You can buffer temperatures by opening cupboards under sinks in kitchens and bathrooms. On extremely cold nights, you can protect your plumbing by covering crawlspace vents and reopening them the next day.

If your pipes do solidify, it's important to follow the correct thawing procedure. Always open the tap before warming the area. Never pour hot water over pipes or use direct heat sources. Burst pipes are caused when steam builds up as the blockage thaws. Then, you have to deal another problem and call a professional to repair the pipe and clean up the mess from water damage. If a pipe does burst this winter, our SERVPRO of Edmond water damage specialists can help provide fire and water damage restoration services.