Preventing a Pipe Burst During the Winter Months
Old Man Winter will soon be knocking at your door and with him comes frigid temperatures and sometimes destruction. Your La Grange pipes pay the price for the cold temperatures and burst pipes are a huge winter issue.
As the temperatures drop outside, the water inside the pipes begins to freeze. The solid inside the pipe put excessive pressure. If the pressure becomes too much for the pipe to handle, it will expand to accommodate and bust. However, there are three ways that you can prevent a messy pipe bust this year.
Keep The Heat On
So many people think they are saving money when they turn their heat off. Actually, you may end up costing yourself more in the long run. When the inside temperature falls below freezing, it can cause the pipes to burst.
It only takes a short amount of time for the pipes to freeze. Don’t think about energy savings and turn the heat off. It’s better to turn it down to around 60 degrees, but never any lower. This will ensure your pipes don’t freeze.
Add Insulation To The Pipes
Pipes, by nature, run through the coldest areas in the home. They go in basements, under sinks and in exterior walls. Because of the location of these vulnerable pipes, they are prone to freeze easier. It’s hard to add insulation to the walls around the pipes in some areas, but piping insulation is made to wrap around your pipes and protect them. Made of foam or fiberglass, insulation can make a world of difference when the temperatures drop. Building a duct system around the pipes will help you out greatly.
Let The Water Run
You’ve probably heard this and wondered if it is true. It absolutely is the easiest way there is to ensure your La Grange home’s pipes don’t freeze. A trickle of water allows the water to keep flowing through the pipes. Though it still can freeze, it is less likely to happen. It doesn’t waste a great deal of water either; just make sure you are using the cold water side. It is estimated that a sink should drip no more than 20 times in a minute. If set at this rate, it will use about two gallons of water being left on. However, if that pipe would bust, it would cost around 2,200 gallons worth of waste. Which is the most economical choice?
Avoid a costly pipe burst with these key tips! Call Allan E. Power Plumbing at [phone] for repairs in your La Grange, IL home.
