As temperatures drop, the risk for frozen pipes increases. Here are some tips to help protect your pipes and property. As cold temperatures hit, your plumbing is especially at risk. Frozen pipes can cause extensive damage to your home and property, so here are the top five tips from the trusted plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing®
1. Remove garden hoses from outside spigots.
Water left in the hose can freeze and expand causing damage to the spigot and plumbing connected to it. Wrap your faucets/spigots and then cover them with a plastic bag to prevent rain or water from leaking in.
2. Dripping can do good.
Turn the faucets on your outside walls on and allow the water to drip if the temperature is below 32 degrees. This will help prevent water from settling and freezing inside your plumbing lines. When water freezes, it expands and can cause pipes to break.
3. Emergency Shut Off Valve
Make sure you know where your emergency water shut off valve is at your home.
4. Keep the cold away.
Close and seal up exterior vents or crawl space doors to keep the cold temperatures away from your plumbing.
5. Leave cabinet doors open for fixtures on outside walls.
Any plumbing fixture that is against an outside wall (this is most commonly kitchen sinks and lavatories) leave the cabinet doors open to allow the cold air to escape and the warmer air inside your home to help warm the pipes and help prevent freezing.
If you have a problem related issue or emergency remember to call a trusted, licensed plumber and ask for upfront, StraightForward Pricing®. For more information contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Northern Illinois.