When the mercury begins to drop to near the freezing point or below, frozen pipes become a big worry in the Chico area. It's not often the area sees very cold temperatures but on occasion the weather can turn very cold, and unprotected pipes can freeze.
Protect your plumbing in Chico with some easy tips to help pipes avoid freezing. Know what to do when a cold snap is coming. Also have a plan in case your pipes do freeze. Being prepared is the best course of action to avoid frozen pipes.
Plumbing in Chico - Frozen Pipe Tips
Following are some tips on frozen pipe issues. These are things you can do to help keep your pipes and appliances safe from freezing and hopefully get everything back in order in case they do freeze.
Before it gets cold
- Insulate exposed pipes in attics and crawlspaces and unheated garages, remembering the more insulation used the better.
- If time and money allow there is heat tape and heat cables that can be used around pipes. Use these products only for their intended purposes (indoors or outdoors) and make sure they are UL-approved.
- Seal leaks that could let air in near where pipes are located. This might include areas where electrical wiring enters the home, dryer vents and pipes. Take care to seal any holes well. Even a small hole can let tons of cold air in a home.
- Disconnect garden hoses and any other outside watering devices. Use cut-off valves to remove water from lines going outside if you have them.
When it's going to get cold
- Leaving a trickle of water running, hot or cold, on an outside wall can keep pipes from freezing.
- Keep your thermostat set at the same temperature during the day and night. If you're tempted to turn the heat down during the night don't do so. Even a small variation in temperature can allow pipes to freeze.
- Open cabinet doors to let warmer air under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.
If your pipes are frozen
- Don't panic! Frozen pipes may not be busted.
- If you turn on a faucet and nothing comes out something is not quite right with your plumbing in Chico. Think about calling for help.
- Don't use electrical appliances until you have checked to make sure there is no water near the unit. This can cause electrocution.
- Don't try to thaw a pipe with a torch or an open flame. The obvious thing here is to not cause a fire. Water damage is not as bad as a fire.
- You may try to thaw a frozen pipe with a hair dryer. Start near a faucet and work back toward the colder parts of the pipe.
- If your pipes have burst, turn the water off at the main shut-off valve for your house. Leave your faucets open. Make sure all family members know where the shut off valve is.
Know all about pipes and freezing
When it comes to your plumbing in Chico, frozen pipes can be a big headache. Of course, the best course of action is to keep them from freezing in the first place. Sometimes pipe do freeze though. Know what to do if it happens.
The tips listed above should help you avoid freezing pipes if at all possible and give you some idea of what to do if your pipes freeze. Don't hesitate to call a Chico plumber if you are unsure of what to do with your plumbing in regards to cold weather. Be prepared for any and all circumstances with your plumbing in Chico and cold weather.
