Keep Your Water Lines From Freezing
Due to good old Minnesota winters, many residents in Minneapolis and St. Paul experience frozen water lines. The Cities of Minneapolis, St. Paul, Appleton, Afton, Hopkins, and many others communities in the area have been alerting residents in an effort on how to keep water pipes from freezing.
Thawing frozen water lines and can be expensive and you will want to use a professional to get the water flowing again. The trained staff here at Drain King can get the job done quickly and inexpensively.
Large numbers of water lines have frozen in the past few weeks and with temperatures unusually cold there will be many more homes with frozen pipes.
If your home tends to use water less frequently you will have a much higher chance of frozen pipes this winter. To avoid having ice in your pipes, you should consider letting cold water run from one faucet 24 hours a day. You only need to have a trickle. (about the thickness of a pen). Your water bill may go up a little bit, but this will be far less expensive than having to get your water lines repaired or thawed.
If you have water that is discolored, this is a warning sign that you may be about to have frozen pipes. Turn a facet on immediately and leave it running until warmer weather arrives.
Preventing water lines from freezing during winter is crucial to avoid costly repairs and water damage. Here are some effective tips to help keep your water lines from freezing:
Insulate Pipes
Use pipe insulation sleeves or foam to cover vulnerable pipes, especially those located in unheated areas like basements, attics, garages, and crawl spaces.
Heat Tape
Consider applying electric heat tape to particularly at-risk sections of pipes. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Maintain Heat
Keep the thermostat set to a consistent temperature, especially during cold nights or when you are away. Avoid setting it lower than 55°F (13°C).
Open Cabinet Doors
Allow warm air to circulate around pipes under sinks and appliances by leaving cabinet doors open, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
Let Faucets Drip
Allow a small trickle of water to flow through faucets connected to pipes in unheated areas. Moving water is less likely to freeze.
Seal Cracks and Openings
Inspect your home for any cracks or openings in walls, windows, and doors that may allow cold air in, and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping.
Insulate Exterior Walls
Check for insulation in exterior walls and add more if necessary, especially around plumbing.
Disconnect Hoses
Remove and drain garden hoses and make sure outdoor spigots are turned off and drained.
Winterize Sprinkler Systems
If you have a sprinkler system, ensure it’s winterized properly by draining and possibly insulating pipes.
Know the Location of Shut-Off Valves
Be familiar with the location of your home’s water shut-off valves in case of an emergency.
Prepare an Emergency Kit
Keep a kit on hand that includes pipe insulation, towels for leaks, and basic plumbing tools in case you do encounter a frozen pipe.
Inspect Regularly
Regularly check your plumbing and heating system for any signs of wear or damage, and address issues promptly.
By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of your water lines freezing during winter, allowing you to enjoy a worry-free season.
24 Hour Emergency Drain Cleaning Services
When you call Drain King you’ll speak to a person 24 hours a day, every day. So whether you need emergency sewer or drain service or routine maintenance, call today at 763-786-3000.
We offer commercial and residential sewer line televising and locating services, water jetting services, hot water jetting services, grease trap pumping services, grease trap repair, sump pump installation. Same day services.
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