Every time the temperatures drop dramatically, we get frantic calls from people who either have no hot water or have busted pipes when the temperatures began to rise above freezing. These are dire problems.
Winter Weather is Serious Business
While we are always glad to help provide service whenever we can, but it also true that some circumstances prevent us from making any immediate improvement. Let’s look at an example.
When a customer calls and tells us they have no water at all, and they want us to come and get their water unthawed, we must explain that there may be nothing we can do while nature runs its course - and the pipes thaw as the temperatures rise naturally. Once that process does start, we always advise to watch carefully for leaks because when pipes freeze, they have a tendency to break when they are frozen. In addition, sadly, we are not able to send someone to help them until the roads are safe enough to drive on. This may sound very disappointing (we know!); however, there are several things you can do to keep your pipes from freezing.
Some Very Good Practical Tactics
1.Before it gets too cold, go outside and unhook all water hoses from the outside faucets. Install the faucet insulators of the exposed pipe and handle to keep it from freezing. If you do not have the insulators or able to find any, wrap the faucet as securely in several layers of towels and cover with a coffee can or something similar.
2. Close overhead garage doors to provide an extra barrier from the wind and freezing temperatures.
3. Keep the outside doors closed as much as possible to keep the warm air in the house.
4. Put protective barriers on the floor in front of all outside doors to help keep drafts out.
5. Make sure heat is in every room - especially the rooms that have faucets or toilets in them.
6. Leave all cabinet doors under sinks opened and if they are on an outside wall, and consider placing an approved electric heater (at a safe distance) in front of them to help keep them from freezing.
7. Let one faucet drip for the duration of the storm. It you have had mor than one faucet freeze in the past, set a space heater in front of it as well. Also, do not forget about your well house. Turn on an electric heater or heat lamp near the exposed pipes in your well house to help keep your water thawed so flow is not interrupted.
8. Take care of your furry friends. Bring them in the house or make sure they have a dry warm place to keep them out of the storm. Keep an eye on their water because it might easily freeze - not good!
Stay Warm & Safe
Just remembering these practical strategies can help a lot during severe cold weather periods, and help you and your family. If you have questions or need urgent assistance with winter heating or plumbing issues, feel free to reach out to us!