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Plan
ahead to avoid plumbing breaks. Simple steps can help prevent pipe breaks
in cold weather:
·
Turn off
and drain automatic and manual sprinkler systems before first freeze.
You will avoid surprises in the Spring. The alternating freezing and thawing of
water in the system can create cracks and weak spots, triggering silent
underground leaks or mini-geysers.
·
Turn
off outdoor faucets and be sure to disconnect hoses from them.
Make sure the faucet and the outside portion of the pipes are fully drained.
A valve inside many houses will shut off the water's flow; then open and
close the tap outside to release any water in the pipe. Disconnect the hose
to assure that freeze-proof faucets will drain and to avoid damage to the
hose from freezing water.
·
Winterize unheated or vacant buildings.
It is very important that this is done if your property will be vacant and
especially if it will be unheated. Significant property damage and water loss can occur before burst pipes are
discovered in vacant buildings. If your vacant building has a fire
protection system, make sure there is no danger that the water servicing
this system might freeze.
·
Know the location of your water shut off at your property.
If a pipe breaks at your property, it is important to know where your shut off
is.
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In cases of extreme
cold, in order to keep your
pipes from freezing, Denver Water recommends the following:
-
Keep open cabinet doors leading to exposed pipes (such as
access doors for sinks), so that household air can warm them.
The natural flow of warmer air will help combat many problems.
-
If you have an attached garage, keep its doors shut.
Occasionally, plumbing is routed through this unheated space,
leaving it vulnerable to winter's worst.
-
Crack a faucet farthest from the place where your
water enters the house. A very slow drip will keep water
molecules moving, reducing the chance that pipes will freeze.
Place a bucket underneath the faucet so the water can be saved
for other household uses.
-
Keep your thermostat set above 65 degrees when leaving your
house or business for several days.
-
Insulate pipes that may be vulnerable to the cold or
have caused problems before. Pipes close to exterior walls
or in unheated basements or crawlspaces can be wrapped with
pieces of insulation. Don't overlook pipes near windows, which
can quickly freeze. For particularly difficult pipes, consult a
professional on how to select and apply heat tape.
-
Know the location of your water shut-off switch and
test it regularly. If a pipe breaks, you won't want to have
to find it then or, worse, wait for someone to arrive at your
place to find it for you. In most single-family homes, the
shut-off valve is in the basement or the crawlspace, on a wall
facing the street.
-
If
you didn’t get your sprinkler system off and drained for the
winter,
make sure to check for leaks when you turn on the system in the
spring.
-
If
you think a pipe has already frozen, do the following:
-
Don't wait for nature to take
its course: Thaw the pipe as soon as possible or call a
plumber for help.
-
If you do it yourself, shut off
the water or test the shut-off valve. You don't want water
suddenly gushing from the pipe when it thaws.
-
Remember: When thawing things,
slower is better.
-
A hair dryer trained at the
frozen area of the pipe is appropriate. A blow torch is not.
Pipes warmed too fast may break anyway.
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For further information please contact our office during business hours
at 303-424-2844
