Can’t Wait Until It Warms Up

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Our brutally cold weather is expected to last a few more days.  It is still important to take preventative measures to keep your pipes from freezing.  See last month’s blog at Preventing Frozen Pipes.

Know where your water shut off valve is located.

Know Where Your Main Water Valve is Located

In most cases when a pipe freezes, you’ll need to turn off the main water supply to your home.  This is not the time to learn that you don’t remember where the shut off valve is located. Take the time now to find your main shut-off valve and turn it a few times to make sure you can operate it when necessary. To find out more go to Locating Your Water Shut Off Valve.

If A Pipe Freezes or Bursts

Burst water pipe

Burst water pipes can cause significant damages.

Because frozen pipes can lead to substantial water damage in your home, we want to reiterate what steps to take if this occurs.

  1. Identify where the frozen pipe is located. Frozen pipes often have frost on them, a slight bulge or crack, or ice if there is a crack and water is leaking.
  2. Never try to thaw a frozen pipe with a torch or other open flame because it could cause a fire. Always begin the thawing process near the faucet then work your way down to the blockage. This permits melting ice or steam to escape from the faucet.
  3. You may be able to thaw a frozen pipe with the warm air from a hair dryer. Start by warming the pipe as close to the faucet as possible, working toward the coldest section of pipe. Heat lamps or hot towels can also be used.
  4. If the frozen pipe is behind a wall, above a ceiling, or under a floor, you may have to cut an opening in the enclosed area to allow heat to penetrate.
  5. If your water pipe bursts, turn off the water at the main shutoff and call a plumber.
  6. If you have standing water, call a water damage remediation clean-up company immediately to prevent mold and further damage to your home or business.

Brenneco Plumbing logoWe Are Here If You Need Us

No one wants to deal with burst water pipes when its 15 degrees outside. But if you have an emergency, Brenneco Plumbing is available 24/7 to address your plumbing needs. Contact us anytime at 765-448-6190.