How To Handle Frozen Water Pipes
Dealing with frozen water pipes home can be very frustrating. This is particularly the case in the winter months when the pipes are exposed to freezing temperatures. It is discomforting for everyone at home, and can be time-consuming. However, if you take certain precautions, or spot some vital signs that a pipe is about to burst, you can stop the pipe from bursting. For instance, you may find yourself turning the heating off for long periods of time when you leave the house, or not keeping your pipes insulated. These are mistakes that could prove costly. The best thing to do when you leave the house for a few days is to still keep your heating on but just at a low temperature. The heat will help prevent the pipes from freezing.
Insulating your pipes as a preventative measure
Another important measure is to ensure that your pipes stay insulated. You should be particularly worried about pipes that are outside the home as they are more exposed to freezing temperatures. You can prevent them from freezing if you insulate them in a solid manner. If you are unsure on which materials to buy, it is advisable to check with your local DIY store or to even ask a professional. This is less expensive then risking a frozen pipe bursting later.
Leaking pipe
If you notice a leaking pipe, you should fix it as soon as possible. This is due to the fact that a leaking pipe is usually an indication that it is about to burst. This will be particularly applicable to pipes that are exposed to freezing temperatures. To be more cost-effective, it would be better for you to fix the problem as quickly as possible before the situation gets worse. If you spot one leaking, it is best to get hold of a disposable diaper or a towel and wrap it around the leak. Please note that this is only a temporary solution to the problem, and that you should call a plumber to come and properly fix the problem. The towel or disposable diaper will only contain the leak for an hour or so.
Bursting pipe
Unfortunately you may have failed to spot the signs that a pipe was about to burst. In some cases you may have taken some preventative measures but the pipe burst anyway. If this does happen, you should turn off the water supply and call a plumber straight away. There may be some electrical appliances around. If this is the case, you should turn them off first, then the water. Make sure that everyone gets away from the water. If you have some water-protective clothing - wear it. Move any objects that are around away from the water. This way you can protect your most treasured items, and it will also help your plumber manoeuvre his way around the water.
If the flooding is quite extensive, you may need to consider finding alternative accommodation. The best thing to do is to check your insurance policy to check if your costs will be covered. You should also leave the windows and drawers open to aid the drying process.
About the Author:
Tal Potishman, editor of Heating Central, writes articles about central heating, boiler, London plumbers, underfloor heating and solar thermal. He specializes in helping save money by advising on efficient heating.
