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6 easy ways to prevent pipe freezing (and what to do if you fail)
Mar
Frozen pipes
One of the biggest problems in winter are freezing water pipes and probably cracking. Frozen pipes can be a serious problem if they break and – depending on the damage – they can cost quite a bit of repair. Not to mention that he creates a mess and leaves you without running water.
If you are new in an area where frozen pipes are a problem, read on.
Of course, the best way to avoid frozen water pipes is to learn what to do to prevent it. Insulation and preparation of water lines for freezing does not require much effort.
Here are some ways to prevent frozen pipes:
1. If possible, insulate water pipes:
One of the main steps in preventing frozen pipes is to make sure that the pipes have some kind of insulation. You can buy foam insulation covers in any equipment store. In the blink of an eye you can also wrap old blankets and even a newspaper around the pipes. As an additional bonus, proper insulation of pipes will also help reduce the costs of water heating.
2. Disconnect all external hoses and water lines:
This is especially important for people who live in the country and have many sources of water around their property. In general, you will not use many snakes in winter, especially if you switch to water buckets to farm animals. Turn off the outer water lines that will not be used for spring. Also, don’t forget to empty the snakes.
Use the power of the sun when electricity comes out …
In addition, even if you don’t have external water lines to worry, at least you know how to turn off the water line at home. This will be important if the pipe bursts in your home.
3. Keep the houses, even if you are absent:
It is usually recommended to drop the home temperature if you are for the holidays in winter. This helps an electrical account, but it can spell the disaster for the areas that they freeze. The last thing you want is to freeze and they probably broke when you are not even home to deal with it. Try to stop the house at least 68 f when you are absent.
4. Hold the cabinets open for air circulation:
Another tip that works when you are at home or outside, if possible, keeping the open bathroom and kitchen. In this way, it will facilitate warm air at home, it is easier to reach the pipes.
Frozen pipes
5. Use a space radiator for very cold winters:
If you had past problems with freezing pipes or recently moved to an area that becomes really cold, have a space heater on hand or two as a preventive measure. You probably won’t have to drive the radiator all winter, but rather use it on very cold days. It is also important to have additional space on hand, if the pipes freeze, as you see below.
6. Let the taps drip:
It seems strange, but it works very well. It is more difficult to freeze the pipes if the water moves, even if it is slow. At night or on extremely cold days, turn on the tap until it begins to drip water. In addition to preventing frozen pipes, it also warns you if the pipes begin to freeze.
What to do when the pipes freeze
If your pipes are already frozen, don’t panic. You will have to thaw them carefully and act quickly to prevent the series.
Turn on space heaters:
If possible, use the space heater under the house or display the space radiator as close to the wall as possible. If you do not have a space radiator or freezing is in a small area, use a hair dryer. Of course, for safety reasons, do not consume anything electrical carefree if there is water on the ground.
Turn on the tap:
During the thawing frozen tubes you will want to start as close to the tap as possible. Make sure that when you do this, you turn on the tap so that the molten water can escape from the pipe. It is the easiest if someone helps you with this. In addition, the inclusion of hot water will create a pair that will also help distract the pipes.
In general, it is not difficult to thaw frozen pipes; Just be careful and a safe heat source.
As the final tip, you sometimes know that the pipe is frozen, but you can’t find where the ice is. A quick way to find a block is to put a garden hose in a pipe until it stops. Often where it stops, there is ice. In the case of smaller pipes, you can try to develop a wire hanger and use it.
How to deal with tearing water pipes
If you have a series line, follow the following steps.
- Immediately turn off the main water line.
- Be careful when assessing damage, especially if there is water on earth and electrical devices, sockets or wires nearby.
- Find your handy pipe and decide if you need a plumber or you have the ability to fix it.
If you have zero experience with plumbing or doubts at all, call the plumbing immediately. It is really recommended that everyone who lives in rural areas has at least basic knowledge about the water and sewage system and how to fix the amusement pipe on their own (at least temporarily). If you rely only on a plumber to get home, it can take a long time.
Fortunately, there are sets on the market that allow you to temporarily fix a broken pipe until you get professional help. It would be reasonable to have several of these sets on hand.
How do you deal with frozen water pipes in your area? Share all tips and tips in the comments section below, as well as any stories that can help others.
