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Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Extreme Cold Temperatures

By January 31, 2021February 1st, 2021Blog, Business Protection, General Updates, Personal Protection

As the snow continues to fall, make sure your home is prepared for the extreme weather.

Exceptionally low temperatures can result in freezing water pipes, sprinklers and HVAC systems. Take these precautions to avoid freezing or bursting pipes in your home and keep your family safe:

  • Keep the heat up to at least 60 – 65 degrees
  • Run faucets at a slow trickle
  • Open cabinet doors
  • Seal any areas where there is a draft
  • Remove hoses from outside yard faucets
  • Be certain outdoor faucets have been turned off from inside the house

If your pipes do freeze, don’t panic!  Just because they are frozen doesn’t mean they will burst.  Here is what you can do:

  • If water isn’t coming out of the faucet, leave the faucets open and call a plumber
  • Never use electrical appliances in areas of standing water
  • Do not use a torch or open flame to thaw a frozen pipe
  • Try thawing the frozen pipe with a hairdryer. Start by warming the pipe closest to the faucet and work toward the coldest section of the pipe

If your pipes have burst, turn off the water at the main shut-off valve and leave the faucets turned on.  Make sure everyone in the home knows where the main water shut-off valve is located and how to open and close it.

Here are a few extra tips to stay safe:

  • Keep your pets warm inside
  • Have anti-freeze in your car and run your car for a few minutes before heading out
  • Turn off any space heaters if you’re not in the room
  • Make sure you’re prepared with flashlights and batteries in case of a power outage

For more information please contact us any time.  Stay warm!

 

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