How to Keep Your Pipes From Bursting This Winter
Now that winter has officially arrived in the Philadelphia region, homeowners need to take precautions to prevent pipes from bursting during freezing temperatures. According to the National Weather Service and…
Now that winter has officially arrived in the Philadelphia region, homeowners need to take precautions to prevent pipes from bursting during freezing temperatures.
According to the National Weather Service and the Pennsylvania State Fire Marshal, pipes located in unheated basements, crawl spaces, attics, and exterior walls are most vulnerable when temperatures remain below freezing for several hours. When frozen pipes thaw, pressure on the pipes can cause cracks that can cause flooding inside homes.
Below are a few tips that home professionals recommend to prevent problems with your plumbing this season:
- Insulate exposed pipes.
- Seal gaps around vents and doors.
- Keep indoor temperatures at or above 55 degrees, even when you're away from home.
- Allow faucets to drip slightly overnight to keep water moving in the pipes.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks to help circulate warmer air around plumbing.
If people discover frozen pipes, fire officials strongly advise against using torches, open flames, or space heaters to thaw them, as this activity poses a high fire risk. If individuals suspect a leak, they should shut off the main water valve immediately.
Consumer Reports offers additional resources and information on preventing frozen pipes and thawing them correctly if they do freeze.
