Translating…
In many areas of the country, temperatures may dip below freezing for several hours at a time. In fact, in some areas, the temperature may not get above the freezing mark for weeks at a stretch. When the air outside dips below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, water standing on the ground can freeze and turn to ice. The same holds true for the water that is in your home’s pipes. As water freezes, it expands slightly, and this can cause your pipes to burst. By taking a few preventive measures, you can prevent this from happening to you.
Open Your Cabinets
The pipes that are located along your home’s exterior walls are most likely to freeze during cold weather. This is because they are more likely to be affected by the exterior temperature. Plumbing features located in interior walls of your home may stay warmer because they are surrounded by the climate-controlled air in your home. To prevent those plumbing features that are located along your home’s exterior walls from freezing, you can open your cabinet doors under your sinks. This allows the air from the interior of the home to more effectively keep those pipes warm.
Run the Water
Moving water is less likely to freeze, so another great step that you can take is to turn your water faucets on with a slow drip. If you notice that the slow drip has ceased, you may need to increase the flow slightly. Keep in mind that the faucets should be allowed to drip as long as temperatures are below the freezing mark. Furthermore, consider allowing all faucets to drip including the showerheads and bathtub faucets.
Wrap Exterior Pipes and Faucets
All of the plumbing features located inside your home’s walls have some type of insulation around them. For example, even those pipes located along exterior walls are surrounded by drywall, insulation and more. The exterior faucets, such as those that you use to water your lawn with, do not have any insulation around them. You can wrap them yourself with an old bath towel and duct tape. There are also special devices available at most home improvement stores that can be used.
These measures can be effective at preventing your pipes from freezing. However, despite these efforts, frozen plumbing features may still develop from time to time. You may notice that water is not available through a faucet as a preliminary sign that a rupture has developed or soon will develop. If you notice this, take the step to blow direct heat at the faucet or pipe. This can thaw out the frozen area and prevent a rupture. You will not know until the area has thawed if any damage has been done. Monitor the area closely, and call a professional plumber for assistance at the first sign of a rupture or break.