Tis the Season of Frozen Pipes

Helping you "Prevent Frozen Pipes" in your Home

Bitter cold temperatures outdoors can bring the indoor hazard of frozen pipes. By taking a few simple precautions, you can avoid pipe freezing and possible bursts, ultimately saving you a physical and financial clean-up. Now as winter is setting in, be sure to get your home ready for cold temperatures by taking the following steps:

• Know how to shut off the Main water supply to your home. Test the valve to make sure it would work in case of an emergency.
• Insulate exposed pipes in your home's attic and crawl spaces, as those exposed pipes are the most susceptible to freezing. No matter how well your walls are insulted, pipes can freeze if the temperature dips low enough and there is no source of heat for the pipes.
• Wrap pipes in heat tape approved for their intended use, whether that is outdoor or indoor.
• Examine the entire length of pipes looking for cracks, breaks or discoloration. An eighth-inch crack in a pipe can release up to 250 gallons per day.
• Inspect spaces around the pipes for any air leaks or cracks near electrical wiring, vents and pipes. Caulk any cracks to keep the cold out and the heat in.
• Disconnect garden hoses and shut off the water leading to outside faucets. Install freeze proof covers on those faucets.
• Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to pipes under sinks and on outside walls. Also keep the door open between a heated room and unheated room to allow heat to circulate.
• Allow a trickle of water to drip overnight from faucets when temperatures are especially cold.
• If leaving your house for a long period of time, never set the thermostat lower than 55 degrees and shut off the water. Ask a friend to check on your home daily.

If the unfortunate event does happen and the pipe does freeze, never use open flame to thaw frozen pipes. Doing this may lead to the water boiling in the pipe and it may burst. If you believe the pipes have indeed froze, turn off the water at the main shut-off valve, leave the faucets turned on, and call an expert immediately.
When preparing your home's pipes for winter take caution and use the proper materials.
By doing some the above tips you can minimize the risk of freezing pipes, but if you do think you have any frozen pipes, turn off the main water valve and look to an expert to help handle that with you.

Call Knd Mechanical Services (443) 356-0962 for all of your Commercial and Residential heating and air conditioning needs. Serving the Greater Baltimore area and beyond.