TCSD offers tips to keep water pipes from freezing
-From the Templeton Community Service District-
With winter’s dropping temperatures, the possibility of water pipes freezing and bursting is heightened. As ice expands it pushes water toward the closed faucet, causing water pressure to build between the ice blockage and the faucet. The pipe eventually ruptures under the pressure. Pipes that are most at risk are those against exterior walls, in unheated interior areas such as attics, or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
The following tips will help you prevent, identify, and thaw frozen pipes:
1. Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night – though you may incur a higher heating bill, you are preventing a costly repair.
2. Suspect a frozen pipe if only a trickle comes out when you turn on a faucet.
3. To thaw frozen pipes, apply heat to the frozen section of pipe using an electric heating pad, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater, or towels soaked in hot water.
4. Keep the faucet open while treating the frozen area. As the ice begins to melt, water will begin to flow and will help liquefy the ice in the pipe.
5. Check other faucets in your home – if one pipe freezes, so may others.
6. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber for assistance.
For future protection consider relocating exposed pipes and/or adding insulation to attics, crawl spaces, as well as, around exterior pipes.
For more information, please contact a licensed plumber or building professional.
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