Well with such cold temperatures what a better topic to list today than how to handle/prevent frozen pipes.
-We would open all the faucets just a crack so they would drip.
-Pipe coil available at home centers that wrap around the pipes or pipe sleeve or heat tape.
-Use a hair dryer to thaw
-Close or block foundation vents. (Remember to open them again in the spring to prevent rot.
-Take an inventory of any damaged property or possessions
-Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
-Place a warm towel or rag around the pipe.
-Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.-Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night.
-Take proper precautions to avoid an electrical shock from being in or near standing water
-Always disconnect your water hose from your outdoor spigot in the winter, or before the temperature in your area drops below freezing.
-Locate your master water shut-off valve and test it. If a pipe does break, damage can be minimized if you stop the flow of water quickly.
-Remove insulation and wrap pipes in rags
-Caulk around incoming pipes.
-During extreme cold, keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night.
-Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines
-If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat set to a temperature no lower than 55ºF.
-Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are located in unheated areas
http://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Frozen-Water-Pipes
http://seattletimes.com/html/theweatherbeat/2013495133_howtopreventfrozenpipes.html
http://www.everettwa.org/default.aspx?ID=1084
http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/winter-storm/preventing-thawing-frozen-pipes
http://www.libertymutual.com/home-insurance/tools-resources/preventing-water-damage/preventing-frozen-pipes
http://www.bouldercolorado.gov/index.php?option=com_content&id=178&Itemid=1703
If you have some ideas that haven’t been listed here, please feel free to share them in the comment section of the blog. Thanks
