Winter's coming — Act now to prevent expensive damage later
By Simone Gaunt & Laura Feakes
Cold weather, freezing pipes, costly repairs. Cold temperatures and blustery weather should be a sign to homeowners to double check their homes for drafts, leaks, and any exposed pipes. Homeowners should be aware of areas where their homes can get cold, particularly in cellars and attics, and be sure to keep exposed pipes covered. With winter temperatures sure to dip below freezing, it’s best to take the proper precautions now to winterize pipes.
Water expands when it freezes, causing pipelines to split or burst. One indication of pipe freeze is yellow-looking water. If you notice this condition, check it out. Individuals and their families should be knowledgeable on how to shut off the water source to the home in the event that the pipes freeze and burst. This action will stop the water flow and help minimize damage to the home. Anyone who experiences frozen or burst water pipes should contact both a plumber and their insurance agent.
When a prolonged deep freeze arrives and frost depths deepen, experts recommend that homeowners at a minimum keep a little water running. To properly prevent freezing, the stream of water should be about an eighth of an inch thick, or the width of pencil lead.
Although experts agree that running water is the best way to prevent freezing, insulating pipes is also a good idea. It is very inexpensive. A six-foot piece of foam insulation that wraps around a pipe usually costs less than $2.00. Another alternative is heat tape, which conducts an electrical current to prevent pipes from freezing. But this should be used in more extreme temperatures and should be used cautiously because of the electricity involved. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when installing and do periodic safety checks of the tape to make sure it isn’t worn or frayed.
Beat the freeze and save your pipes:
$ Check your home for cold areas near water lines, such as in garages, foundations and basements.
$ Try to insulate pipes, including those from the hot water heater. Use blankets or newspaper to block drafts. Use insulation, spray foams and/or heat tape to wrap pipes.
$ For an unheated crawlspace try super insulation: place a three-inch drain pipe around the existing pipe and fill it with minimum expansion spray foam.
$ Run cold water through the lines when temperatures get below freezing.
$ Keep cellars heated to a minimum of 50 to 60 degrees.
$ Open kitchen and bathroom cupboards, allowing warm air to circulate around water lines.
