AAA: Ways To Prevent Pipes From Freezing And Bursting When The Cold Snap
Updated: 1:33 PM EST February 17, 2021
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The virus came from. It could be years before they find their full origin. (áááRHEYAááá) WITH CENTRAL IOWA THAT WILL SET TO RECORD LOWS IN THE COMING DAYS, THESE TEMPERATURES CAN CAUSE SOME REAL DAMAGE TO YOUR HOME. KCCI’S LAUREN JOHNSON HAS SOME TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR PIPES FROM FREEZING. (áááPKGááá) SUB-ZERO TEMPERATURES CAN DETERMINE MALFUNCTIONS FOR MANY HOME OWNERS. That negative wind chill can cause your pipes to freeze and you may not know until it’s too late. DEBBIE RHINER, OWNER, WAYNE RHINER, WHO “YOU DON’T WATCH IT UNTIL IT HITS. IF IT FREEZES, IT SPLASHES WHEN IT STARTS YOU GET THE WATER DRAIN.” DEBBIE RHINER WITH WAYNE RHINER IN WEST DES MOINES SAYS THE KEY IS TO KEEP YOUR PIPES WARM AND ENSURE THAT WATER ALWAYS MOVES THROUGH THEM. NAT SOUND: “WATER CURRENT” DEBBIE RHINER, OWNER, WAYNE RHINER PLUMBING “LET YOUR WATER RUN, JUST A TRICKLE. LIKE A RIVER YOU SEE FLOWING – IT’S NOT FROZEN.” IF YOU CAN TURN OFF YOUR PIPES ON THESE PEX PIPES – THEY ARE MUCH DURABLE IN COLDER WEATHER. DEBBIE RHINER, OWNER, WAYNE RHINER PLUMBING “IT CAN EXTEND TO THE SIZE OF A BASEBALL, NOT SPLIT. THAT’S THE ADVANTAGE THAT THEY ARE FLEXIBLE.” ANOTHER TIP IS TO CHECK YOUR OVEN FILTER – THIS CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE BEFORE YOU HAVE TO PAY FOR NEW plumbing. DEBBIE RHINER, OWNER, WAYNE RHINER PLUMBING “CHANGE YOUR STOVE FILTER. Homeowners can also take steps to ensure their home stays warm during this severe cold. Replace your stove filter, keep your garage door closed, and restrict opening doors Pull your curtains tight as long as the sun is not closed STRIP AROUND YOUR WINDOWS AND DOORS
AAA: Ways To Prevent Pipes From Freezing And Bursting When The Cold Snap
Updated: 1:33 PM EST February 17, 2021
AAA officials say pipes are at risk of freezing due to temperature drops, poor insulation, or incorrect thermostat settings. AAA has suggestions that can help prevent pipes from freezing and bursting: Make sure everyone in your family knows where the water stop valve is. and how it works. If freezing is expected, consider allowing warm water to drain gently overnight, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall. Even a light trickle can keep your pipes from freezing. If there is any chance of freezing, don’t turn the thermostat down before bed and instead keep the same setting day and night. Temperature drops, which are more common overnight, can freeze your pipes. Open cabinet doors. This allows heat to get to uninsulated pipes that are under scavenging. Insulate the pipes in the crawl spaces and attic of your home, even if you live in an area where freezing temperatures are unlikely. You should also check for air leaks on electrical cables, clothes dryer vents, and pipes. Use sealant or insulation to keep the cold out. Disconnect the garden hoses. If possible, use an internal valve to shut off and drain the water from the pipes leading to the external taps. This will reduce the chances of pipes in the house freezing up. Restoring Frozen Pipes: If you turn on your faucets and nothing comes out, your pipes are likely frozen. You may be able to thaw a frozen tube with a hair dryer. First, heat the section of pipe closest to the faucet, then work your way towards the coldest part of the pipe. Never use a hairdryer or electrical appliances in areas with standing water. You could be electrocuted. Never try to thaw a pipe with a flashlight or other open flame. It could cause a fire. If your plumbing has already burst, turn off the water at the main stop valve in the house, leave the taps on, and call a plumber.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. –
According to AAA representatives, there is a risk of pipes freezing due to temperature drops, poor insulation, or incorrect thermostat settings.
AAA has suggestions that can help prevent pipes from freezing and bursting:
- Make sure everyone in your family knows where the water stop valve is and how it works.
- If freezing is expected, consider allowing warm water to drain gently overnight, preferably from a tap on an outside wall. Even a light trickle can prevent your pipes from freezing.
- If there is any chance of freezing, don’t turn the thermostat down before bed and instead keep the same setting day and night. Temperature drops, which are more common overnight, can freeze your pipes.
- Open cabinet doors. This allows the heat to reach uninsulated pipes that are located under the sinks.
- Insulate pipes in the crawl spaces and attic of your home, even if you live in an area that is unlikely to get freezing.
- Seal leaks on pipes that let in cold air. You should also check for air leaks on electrical cables, clothes dryer vents, and pipes. Use sealant or insulation to keep the cold out.
- Disconnect the garden hoses. If possible, use an internal valve to shut off and drain the water from the pipes leading to the external taps. This will reduce the chances of pipes in the house freezing up.
Recovery from frozen pipes:
- If you turn on your faucets and nothing comes out, your pipes are likely frozen.
- You may be able to thaw a frozen tube with a hair dryer. First, heat the section of pipe closest to the faucet, then work your way to the coldest part of the pipe.
- Never use a hairdryer or electrical appliances in areas with standing water. You could be electrocuted.
- Never try to thaw a pipe with a flashlight or other open flame. It could start a fire.
- If your plumbing has already burst, turn off the water at the main stop valve in the house, leave the taps on, and call a plumber.
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