Every year, approximately 250,000 homes experience damage caused by frozen pipes, according to State Farm Insurance. As the water in frozen pipes expands, it can cause pipes to break and floods to occur. In fact, an 1/8″ crack can cause 250 gallons of water to flood in a single day. While extremely cold temperatures in Boise can cause this to occur to anyone, there are steps you can take to prevent frozen pipes in your home. The steps below may be able to prevent frozen pipes and flooding.
#1: Drain outdoor water
Outdoor pipes are obviously more likely to freeze than indoor pipes. Before temperatures drop severely, take some time to drain your sprinkler supply lines, swimming pools, and outdoor hose bibs. You should also drain hoses and keep them in your garage or shed.
#2: Install pipe sleeves or heat tape to exposed pipes
It’s critical to insulate any pipes in your property that are exposed. You can use pipe sleeves or heat tape to provide an extra layer of protection from chilly temperatures.
#3: Monitor your thermostat
Break the habit of turning off your thermostat to save money in the winter. If you ever are out of town, make sure it is not set to anything lower than 55 degrees.
#4: Consider adding insulation
Check your attic, basement, and crawl spaces to see if they are lacking insulation. Doing this won’t just lower the possibility of frozen or broken pipes, it will also help lessen the blow of utility bill costs.
#5: Be prepared
If you see a slow trickle when you open a faucet, you may have a frozen pipe on your hands. With the faucet open, apply heat to the pipe with a hair dryer or electric heating pad. (Do not use an open flame device.) Monitor the open faucet and maintain heat until water pressure returns.
Contact Paul Davis Restoration of Idaho (Boise) as soon as you can if you experience a broken pipe in your Boise property. Our professional flood restoration services are able to provide immediate assistance and get you back on your feet soon.
