During the winter months in Maryland, frozen and burst pipes are a common complaint. In climates known for severe weather homeowners know how to properly maintain their pipes so it doesn’t become an issue. For homeowners in Maryland, however, it often isn’t in the forefront of their mind because winters can be so hit or miss. Let’s look at how to prevent frozen pipes, and how to deal with pipes if they do freeze.
Prevention
Preventing frozen pipes isn’t complicated, but it does require some preparation time. To prevent pipes from freezing, first drain any excess water from the pipes. If your home has a swimming pool or sprinkler system, also be sure to drain the pool and sprinkler lines. Do not use antifreeze on any piping, as it is toxic and harmful to the environment.
For indoor piping you don’t need to do anything unless it is in an area that gets exceptionally cold, such as a basement, attic, or garage. In these areas consider adding more insulation to keep the rooms—and therefore the pipes—warmer. If insulation isn’t an option, consider using a “pipe sleeve” which is created to keep pipes warm in such a scenario.
If the weather becomes exceptionally cold and you are concerned about a pipe freezing, allowing a slow trickle through the pipe can help it remain thawed. Water that is moving is less likely to freeze than still water, even if it is just a small stream of water. Additionally, if you will not be in your home for an extended period of time, make sure to keep the home’s temperature at 55°F or higher to prevent freezing.
Thawing
If your pipes freeze but don’t burst, you can slowly thaw the pipe to prevent it from bursting. To thaw a frozen pipe, open the faucet and then wrap a heating pad or heated blanket around the frozen area of the pipe. As the ice melts, it will drain through the open faucet.
If you are unable to find the frozen part of the pipe, or you are concerned you can not thaw it adequately, call your local Eldersburg, MD plumbers at Michael Runk Plumbing and Heating.
Should your pipes freeze and burst, call a plumbing service in Eldersburg, MD as quickly as possible so they can repair it. Delaying a fix could lead to additional flood damage. If you need any assistance preparing your home for winter this season call us at Michael Runk Plumbing and Heating today!