Flag Cleaning & Restoration NASSAU 516 498-3524 SUFFOLK 631 226-9800
NEWS
By Flag Carpet on January 27, 2012
Everyone in New York knows
that the winter season in the Northeast can be treacherous and cause
major damage to property structures. Whether you are a homeowner or
business professional, it is important to become educated on preventing
frozen pipes.
Why Do Pipes Freeze?
Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. This
expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it,
including metal or plastic pipes. No matter the "strength" of a
container, expanding water can cause pipes to break. Pipes that freeze
most frequently are those that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor
hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and water
supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces,
attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. Also, pipes that run against
exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also subject to
freezing.
Preventing Frozen Pipes!
Before the onset of cold weather, prevent freezing of water supply lines
and pipes by following these recommendations:
Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines
following manufacturer's or installer's directions. Do not put
antifreeze in these lines unless directed. Antifreeze is environmentally
harmful, and is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping.
Remove, drain, and store
hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs.
Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside
valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without
causing the pipe to break.
Check around the home for
other areas where water supply lines are located and are in unheated
areas. Look in the basement, crawl space, attic, garage, and under
kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these
areas should be insulated. A hot water supply line can freeze just as a
cold water supply line can freeze if the water is not running through
the pipe and the water temperature in the pipe is cold.
Consider installing
specific products made to insulate water pipes like a "pipe sleeve" or
installing UL-listed "heat tape," "heat cable," or similar materials on
exposed water pipes. Many products are available at your local building
supplies retailer. Pipes should be carefully wrapped, with ends butted
tightly and joints wrapped with tape. Follow manufacturer's
recommendations for installing and using these products.
NASSAU 516 498-3524 SUFFOLK 631 226-9800
