BRRR It's Cold Outside! Prevent Frozen Pipes and Detect Problems Fast.
Winter came in like a lion this year and has not let up yet. January and February can be some of the most damaging months for your plumbing and heating systems in the tri-state area. The cold temperatures can wreak havoc on pipes and living spaces. Frozen pipes can burst if the proper precautions aren't taken, flooding your space and causing major damage.
Here are a few ways to determine if you may have an issue and some tips to prevent it:
Signs Of Trouble:
For a plumbing system a fixture such as a faucet will stop working. If the fixture was running properly yesterday and today the temperature is below freezing and no water comes out, it's a good indication that you have a frozen line.
Sometimes no water works at all in your home and that's an indication that the main water line coming from your city or well may have frozen.
For a hydronic heating system you may notice that one room or space is cold and there is no heat coming from your radiators no matter how high you turn up the thermostat. This is an indication that a heating line may be frozen.
Prevention is Key.
The best defense against frozen pipes is to keep your heat between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit at all times, even when you are not home.
Try to determine if pipes on outside walls have insulation.
If pipes are exposed install pipe insulation and a fire safe heat tape to prevent freezing.
Unfortunately sometimes it doesn't matter how hot you keep your home or business or the number of preventative measures you take, some pipes are just in the right spot to freeze when the weather gets cold.
Burst Pipe! If you do have a frozen pipe that bursts stay calm, the first thing to do is to turn off your main water line to prevent further flooding and damage. Be extra careful when there is water on the ground and electrical devices, outlets or wires nearby. Call a plumber to assess the damage and fix the burst pipe professionally.
Don't Panic.
If any of these issues happen just call Crossroads Plumbing and Heating. We can pinpoint where the issue is, unfreeze the line or replace the burst pipe and get your water moving and home or office heated again in no time. We will also make recommendations to prevent your pipes from freezing in the future. So you can get out the marshmallows and stay warm this winter, because Crossroads Plumbing & Heating has you covered.
Thanks for reading! Got a question for Tio?
Call or Email at (201)384-3063 or tio@crossroadsnjny.com.
