Winter is here, and the risk of outdoor pipes freezing and bursting comes with it. Pipe bursting can damage your property and wallet, so it’s essential to know how to protect your outdoor pipes from freezing and bursting. Here’s what you need to know about preventing frozen pipes and how plumbers in New Jersey and the Tri-state area can help.
What Happens When A Pipe Freezes?
When temperatures dip below freezing, water inside an exposed pipe can freeze. As the water expands, it puts pressure on the lines causing them to crack or burst. Unfortunately, once the pipe starts leaking, the damage has been done. No amount of thawing will fix a broken pipe.
Tips for Preventing Frozen Pipes
Fortunately, there are some preventive measures that you can take to reduce your chances of experiencing a frozen pipe. Here are some tips that you should follow:
● Insulate all exposed pipes in unheated areas such as basements or garages using heat tape or foam insulation sleeves. These products are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.
● Keep cabinet doors open during cold weather so that warm air can circulate the plumbing. This is especially important in kitchens and bathrooms located on exterior walls.
● Let water drip overnight from faucets along exterior walls so they don’t freeze shut. Also, ensure outside hose bibs are turned off and disconnected before winter arrives, as they have a higher risk of freezing than indoor pipes do.
● Remember any exposed piping running through crawlspaces or attics! Make sure these areas are well insulated as well. Contact your local plumbing company for help if you notice spots without insulation.
● Keep your business’s thermostat at a minimum of 55 degrees Fahrenheit even when closed. This will keep the pipes warm enough to prevent freezing, even during cold spells.
These are just a few tips on how to prevent frozen pipes. If you think your property is at risk of freezing pipes, it’s best to contact a licensed plumber in New Jersey a
nd the Tri-state area immediately to ensure that your pipes are insulated and protected.
What To Do If Your Pipes Are Frozen
When you can’t prevent frozen pipes, you need to fix the problem fast. The best course of action is to hit up Google for “commercial plumbers near me” and call a professional to assess the situation and thaw it correctly to prevent pipe bursting and the problems that come with it. Turn off the main water supply line entering your home, then apply heat directly to the affected area using an electric heating pad or hair dryer (never use an open flame!).
If you’re dealing with a frozen or burst line, don’t hesitate to contact Action Plumbers for professional plumbing services in the New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware tri-state area! Contact us today before the situation gets worse! We’re ready to thaw frozen pipes and repair busted lines.
