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Winterizing Tips To Prevent Frozen Pipes
11-19-2008
Minneapolis, Minnesota – November 19, 2008. During this time of year, ice and snow storms can cause power outages that result in more than just spoiled food and a cold house. The most serious worry many homeowners face with winter power outages is how to keep their water pipes from freezing, bursting and releasing a flood of water inside the walls and ceiling, that can ruin furniture, carpet, photos, and other valuables. Often, the frozen pipes may remain undiscovered until the heat is restored. Below are several valuable tips to follow during such an emergency, as well as a unique device that can help homeowners avoid this problem in the future.
If You Suspect Your Pipes are Frozen
First, turn off the water at the main shut off valve to prevent further flooding. You can slowly warm up a frozen pipe that you suspect is frozen by using a hair dryer, working from the faucet out towards the coldest section of pipe. Be sure nothing flammable is nearby when using this method. Be aware that if the frozen pipe has burst, you may see water start to flow as it thaws out. However, if your main water valve has been turned off and you open the taps on all your sinks, excess water will drain out of the system using the path of least resistance. It is advisable to check the rest of your pipes for additional leaks and call a plumber if repairs are needed. Also, contact your insurance agent to find out if you are covered for this type of damage.
Preventing Frozen Pipes
Here are some easy ways to help prevent pipes from freezing:
· Insulate any pipes in your home or business’ crawl space, attic and outside walls. When the temperature drops below 20°F (-7°C), pipes in homes or businesses without adequate insulation are very susceptible to freezing.
· Seal any leaks that allow cold air inside where pipes are located. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents and pipes. With severe wind chill, a tiny opening can let in enough cold air to cause a nearby pipe to freeze.
· Do not set your thermostat any lower than 55°F (13°C). A lower setting may keep the air near the thermostat sufficiently warm, but allows the air where the water pipes are located to drop below freezing, particularly along outside walls, near windows and under cabinets.
· Disconnect garden hoses and use the indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets.
If you are going to be away for an extended period of time, it is recommended that you keep an eye on your property to make sure the temperature is maintained and no power failures have occurred. You could ask a neighbor or relative to do this, or better yet install a temperature monitoring device such as the FreezeAlarm, made by Protected Home of Minnesota. The FreezeAlarm electronically monitors a property’s temperature and power status, automatically calling up to three phone numbers if the power fails or the temperature drops inside the unoccupied home or vacation property. The FreezeAlarm is easy to use, requires no installation and has no monitoring fees – simply plug in a phone line and your home is protected. Add another product from Protected Home, the WaterAlarm, to monitor for the presence of water as well!
Protect your home from frozen pipes this winter with these few simple precautions and a FreezeAlarm, which is available from local heating contractors and hardware stores. You can also call Protected Home at 800-880-6000 or visit them online at www.protectedhome.com.
Since 1985, Control Products, Inc. and the Protected Home division has been known for innovative technologies in custom electronic design and manufacturing. Pioneers in electronic controls and sensor technology, its products are used in various commercial and consumer applications around the world. The FreezeAlarm technology grew out of a commercial product designed to alert service technicians of rising temperatures in supermarket coolers and freezers. Today, it is just one of many innovative products designed and manufactured by Control Products, Inc. To learn more about Control Products, Inc., visit us on-line at www.controlproductsinc.com or call 800-947-9098.