Frozen pipes are something that no property owner wants to deal with. As the water in frozen pipes expands, it can cause pipes to break and floods to occur. In fact, a crack as small as 1/8″ can cause 250 gallons of flooding in a single day. While extremely cold temperatures in Northeast DFW can cause this to happen to even the savviest homeowner, there are steps you can take to prevent frozen pipes in your home. The steps below may be able to prevent frozen pipes and flooding this winter.
#1: Drain outdoor water
Outdoor pipes are obviously more likely to freeze than indoor pipes. Schedule time to drain sprinkler supply lines, swimming pools, and outdoor hose bibs.
#2: Install pipe sleeves or heat tape to exposed pipes
Take extra care to insulate exposed pipes. Use pipe sleeves or heat tape to provide extra protection from chilly weather.
#3: Monitor your thermostat
Winter is not the best time to save money on your utility bill by turning off your thermostat. If you ever leave town, make sure it is not set to anything lower than 55 degrees.
#4: Consider adding insulation
Are your attic, basement, or crawl space lacking insulation? If so, you should consider adding some. Doing this won’t just lower the possibility of broken or frozen pipes, it will also help lessen the blow of utility bill costs.
#5: Be prepared
If you notice a slow trickle when you open a faucet, you may have a frozen pipe on your hands. Keep the faucet open and apply heat, either with an electric heating pad or hair dryer, to the pipe. (Do not use an open flame device.) Monitor the open faucet and maintain heat until water pressure is restored.
Contact Paul Davis Restoration of Northeast DFW as soon as possible if you have a broken pipe in your Northeast DFW property. Our professional flood restoration services can provide immediate assistance in an emergency like this.