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Water Emergency Information
Winter is here and you may be ready for the colder temperatures, but are your pipes? Every year homeow ners and insurance companies pay millions of dollars for damage caused by freezing and bursting pipes. Much of the expense and trauma associated with frozen pipes can be reduced if consumers take these simple preventative steps:
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Insulate pipes most susceptible to freezing, typically exposed pipes found on outer walls, in crawl spaces, theattic or the garage.
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Seal leaks that allow cold air inside near where pipes are located. A tiny opening can let in enough cold air to cause a pipe to freeze. Check for leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents and pipes. Use caulk or insulation to block off the cold air.
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Disconnect garden hoses.
- Drain irrigation system and backflow prevention device(s). If possible, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain pipes leading to outside faucets.
- Cover foundation vents with foam blocks or cardboard.
- Wrap outside faucets and backflow prevention devices with insulating material.
When winter temperatures reach extreme lows, homeowners should take extra precautions to prevent frozen pipes. If freezing weather is in the forecast, here are several things to do to reduce this risk:
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Let faucets trickle both hot and cold water overnight. Moving water is less likely to freeze.
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Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to un-insulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.
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If you go away during the winter months, keep the heat on, set no lower than 55 degrees.
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Consider shutting off the water and draining your plumbing system if you plan to be out of town for an extended period during winter. Turn off the water at the main shut off valve and turn on every faucet (hot and cold) until the water stops running. Drain toilets by holding down the lever until tank empties.
If, despite precautions, you turn the faucet on and no water flows, your pipes have most likely frozen. Shut off the water at the main shut off valve, turn on all the faucets in the house and call a plumber immediately.
If you must thaw the pipes yourself, do not use an open flame or propane torch. Not only could you start a fire, but you could create so much heat inside the pipe that the water can turn to steam causing an explosion. Thaw frozen pipes by wrapping them with a thick layer of rags and pour boiling water over the rags or by using a hand held dryer, heat slowly starting closest to the faucet end, working towards the coldest section of the pipe.
*Remember to never use electrical appliances in areas of standing water because of the risk of electrocution!
Yes, it even happens to us sometimes!
A frozen Air Relief Valve thawed and burst on December 14, 2009. |
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Water •150 E Main Street • Hillsboro OR 97123 • (503) 615-6702 • Email
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