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How do I prevent frozen pipes?
It’s Frozen Pipe Time
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With the official start of winter in Colorado only days away (December 21st); I thought it may be a good idea to share some tips on how to prevent frozen pipes.
Let’s start with a simple explanation of frozen pipes ………………… When water freezes within a pipe, the volume of water expands. The same amount of water takes up more space as a solid than as a liquid. This causes the pipes to expand and possibly break. The temperatures in Colorado Springs lately have been dipping down in the single digits; and a few simple tips can save you thousands of dollars later.
(1) During extreme low temperatures all pipes located on exterior walls should have a slight trickle of water dripping continuously through the faucet. The cost of the extra water is low compared to the cost to repair a broken pipe. Moving water doesn’t freeze as readily as stagnant water.
(2) Thermostats should be kept above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
(3) Leave the cabinet doors under the kitchen sink open so that the room air can warm the pipes.
(4) Place a lamp with a 60-watt bulb under the sink to warm the walls and pipes. Make sure there are no combustible materials near the bulb.
(5) Have the home’s exterior walls insulated. Caulk and seal around doors, windows, house faucets and outside outlets.
(6) Protect outdoor pipes and faucets. In some homes, the outside faucet has its own shut-off in the basement in addition to the shut-off valve for the entire house. If you have a separate valve for outside faucets, close the valve, remove hoses and drain the faucet. If you don’t have a separate valve, wrap the outside faucets (hose bibs) in newspapers or rags covered with plastic.
(7) Drain in-ground sprinklers: Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the best way to do this.
(8) Know where your main water shut-off valve is. If a pipe freezes or bursts, shut the water off immediately.
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