Keep Pipes From Bursting During A Freeze

Winter is well under way and ideally homeowners should have prepared their plumbing for freezing temperatures last fall. If you didn’t get around to wrapping your pipes back then, you can still keep your pipes from exploding. Here’s what to do to keep freezing temperatures from getting the better of your plumbing.

Don’t forget to protect outdoor faucets from freezing temperatures.

Don’t forget to protect outdoor faucets from freezing temperatures.

WINTERIZE NOW!

It’s better late than never when it comes to getting your Portland-area plumbing ready for icy weather. Give Apollo a call at 503-239-880l and our experts will do a complete analysis of your home’s plumbing system and make sure your pipes are protected. Our winterization service includes:

• Locating vulnerable, cold spots
• Shutting off drain connections and water valves
• Insulation of pipes
• Installing protective covering on pipes

TAKE ACTION WHEN TEMPERATURES DROP

What if a deep freeze is imminent and you need to prepare your plumbing immediately? Here are several last-minute ways to keep your pipes from turning into popsicles.

• Turn on the faucets: A slow drip is all you need to keep the water moving and prevent a freeze. You can use this method on both indoor and outdoor faucets.
• Open cabinets doors: Kitchen and bathroom faucets sometimes connect to pipes in outside walls. Keep these walls warmer by opening under-sink cabinets and letting warm air circulate next to the exterior wall.
• Turn up the thermostat: Raise the temperature in your home during a cold snap. You’ll probably do this anyway to keep yourself warm, but turning up the heat could also save your pipes. Warm air rises, so if you have exposed plumbing in an attic or crawl space, raising the thermostat both day and night throughout the freeze is important.
• Place a space heater: Place a space heater in areas with vulnerable pipes.
• Insulate where you can: If you have time, make a run to the hardware store and pick up some pipe insulation. Wrap exposed pipe.

WHAT TO DO IF A FREEZE IS UNDERWAY

Do you suspect your pipes are already starting to freeze, or worse, do you have a burst pipe?

• Turn off the water main ASAP: The valve may be near the water meter or where the line enters the house.
• Call a plumber: Leave the faucets open until your plumber can make repairs.

BE PREPARED

It’s not uncommon for Portland metro area residents to be unprepared for freezing weather. Winters in the Pacific Northwest are generally mild. It’s easy to have a false sense of security. Inevitably, however, icy temps make a reappearance. Take measures well ahead of that eventuality by winterizing your plumbing each fall, keeping a temporary pipe patch kit handy and knowing how to turn off your water main valve.

When freezing temperatures threaten, keep our [contact][2] information handy. Apollo’s plumbers are available for 24-hour emergency service. Call us at 503-395-0900 for a free estimate.