The first step to keeping the pipes in your home from freezing in below freezing temperatures is to be proactive. Plan ahead. Don’t wait till the pipe burst before taking action. Begin my making sure all exterior wall pipes are well insulted during the fall even summer months. If you wait till you need it than more than likely the store will be out due to multiple people needing supplies. Next, keep up with the weather predictions for the week. If the meteorologist is calling for below freezing temperatures consider taking the following steps. First, make sure to leave cabinet doors open if there are pipes within the cabinet. Example, open the cabinet doors under the kitchen sink wide. This will supply the pipes heat from the interior room. Next, turn the faucets on throughout the house to a drip during the whole time of the freeze. Even if the freeze lasts for days or weeks, keep the water dripping. You may be worried about your water bill, but this will cost less than having to repair broken pipes. The dripping of the water keeps the water moving through the pipes. Water is less likely to freeze if it is moving. If you have a vacation home, camper trailer, or a home that will be vacant for the winter and you are worried the pipes may freeze and burst read the tips to protect your pipes while you are gone. Make sure all pipes are insulted. Next, make sure all faucets are turned off and the water is drained. Disconnect all garden hoses from the faucet outside. Drain all water and hang your hoses. This will protect them from freezing. Consider putting antifreeze in the indoor pipes. Even drain the toilet tank and pour antifreeze in the bowl of the toilet. There is antifreeze made to winterize camper trailers and buses that is safe to put in your drinking lines. If no one will be drinking or turning on the water this is the best way to secure the pipes for an extreme freeze. Once the winter season has ended and all fears of freezing is over, then flush all lines till the water runs clear. Taking proactive steps to maintain your plumbing through the winter months will save you money and troubles in the long run. Should you need a pipe replacement in your home or business, contact a reputable pipe repair service for an estimate.
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