Frozen Water Pipes And How To Handle Them
Posted: Thursday, September 10, 2009
by Tal Potishman
Heating Central
Dealing with frozen water pipes at home can be very frustrating. This is particularly the case in the winter months when the pipes are exposed to freezing temperatures. It is discomforting for everyone at home, and can be time-consuming. However, if you take certain precautions, or spot some vital signs that a pipe is about to burst, you can stop the pipe from bursting. For instance, you may find yourself turning the heating off for long periods of time when you leave the house, or not keeping your pipes insulated. These are mistakes that could prove costly. The best thing to do when you leave the house for a few days is to still keep your heating on but just at a low temperature. The heat will help prevent the pipes from freezing.
Another important measure is to ensure that your pipes stay insulated. You should be particularly worried about pipes that are outside the home as they are more exposed to freezing temperatures. You can prevent them from freezing if you insulate them in a solid manner. If you are unsure on which materials to buy, it is advisable to check with your local DIY store or to even ask a professional. This is less expensive then risking a frozen pipe bursting later.
Leaking pipe
If you notice a leaking pipe, you should fix it as soon as possible. This is due to the fact that a leaking pipe is usually an indication that it is about to burst. This will be particularly applicable to pipes that are exposed to freezing temperatures. To be more cost-effective, it would be better for you to fix the problem as quickly as possible before the situation gets worse. If you spot one leaking, it is best to get hold of a disposable diaper or a towel and wrap it around the leak. Please note that this is only a temporary solution to the problem, and that you should call a plumber to come and properly fix the problem. The towel or disposable diaper will only contain the leak for an hour or so.
Bursting pipe
Unfortunately if it has reached this stage, you will have to turn the water off and call the plumber. Ensure that you turn off the water as quickly as possible to avoid the amount of flooding in the house. If there are any electrical appliances around, turn them off first, then the water. Ensure that everyone gets away from the water. You should put on water-proof clothing, such as boots and remove any form of object away from the water. This will not only ensure that your important items stay protected, but it will also help your plumber manoeuvre his way around the water.
You may need to find alternative accommodation if the flooding is quite extensive. You should check your insurance policy to check if your costs will be covered. It is advisable to leave the windows and drawers open to aid the drying process.
Tal Potishman, editor of Heating Central, writes articles about boilers, central heating, Bradford plumbers, underfloor heating and solar thermal. He specializes in helping save money by advising on efficient heating.
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