Prevent your pipes from freezing
#1
02-16-21, 10:54 AM
Prevent your pipes from freezing
This always is a good reminder during these polar vortexes... but if you are going to experience record cold temperatures overnight, turn your faucets so that they slowly drip. The water flowing through the pipe will usually be warm enough to prevent the pipe from freezing.
Opening cabinet doors to any sinks that are on exterior walls (typically kitchen sinks) is also a good idea.
-28F here last night... a little colder than normal.
And if your pipes do freeze, keep in mind that you can have a real mess on your hands if the pipe splits and breaks. Water expands when it freezes, so pipes cannot handle repeated freeze/thaw cycles. Even a small crack will cause quite a mess once it thaws out and starts spraying water.
Opening cabinet doors to any sinks that are on exterior walls (typically kitchen sinks) is also a good idea.
-28F here last night... a little colder than normal.
And if your pipes do freeze, keep in mind that you can have a real mess on your hands if the pipe splits and breaks. Water expands when it freezes, so pipes cannot handle repeated freeze/thaw cycles. Even a small crack will cause quite a mess once it thaws out and starts spraying water.
#2
02-16-21, 12:21 PM
Group Moderator
If your water heater is in a cold location remember that you must turn on the hot water tap to prevent the water lines to/from the water heater from freezing. This also has the benefit of protecting the water line leading to your house.
#3
02-16-21, 01:09 PM
Yes, if you have a single handle faucet, it's best to turn it to lukewarm... And let it drip. That way it is running both hot and cold water lines just a little bit.
#5
02-16-21, 10:20 PM
Group Moderator
It's not always just the cold.
It can be a combination of the cold and a little wind in the wrong place.
If you have a hydronic heating system.... make sure all zones are calling for heat.
A heating pipe in the wall can freeze too.
It can be a combination of the cold and a little wind in the wrong place.
If you have a hydronic heating system.... make sure all zones are calling for heat.
A heating pipe in the wall can freeze too.
