Dacula, GA doesn’t receive much snow; however it can still get its share of cold weather. Dacula plumbers often warn customers about the dangers of frozen pipes. Cold weather causes pipes to freeze resulting in plumbing problems. Water expands as it freezes, and it places extraordinary pressure on the object containing it. This pressure is so strong that it can break metal and plastic pipes. For this reason, it is vital to prevent your pipes from freezing or you will be left with a major leak that can cause thousands of dollars of damage. Proper precautions should be taken when winter weather is on the way.
Before the cold air arrives, you should drain the water from pools and sprinkler lines. Plumbers recommend that you disconnect, drain and store hoses indoors where they will not be affected by the cold air. Close any indoor valves that supply water to outdoor faucets, and keep any outdoor bibs open so water can drain and expand without busting the pipe. Check any areas in your house that are not insulated. Many Dacula homes lack insulation in the attic, basement, crawl space and garage. Pipes located in these areas should be insulated with pipe sleeves, heat tape, heat cables or newspaper.
Once the winter weather has arrived, open any cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes. Try to keep your garage door closed at all times. Running water is less likely to freeze, so turn on all of your faucets just enough to allow a drip. Keep your thermostat set to a constant temperature over 55 degrees at all times – even when you are not home.
If a pipe is frozen, keep the faucet running to help melt any ice. Use electric heating pads, electric hair dryers, space heaters and towels soaked in warm water to heat any frozen parts of the pipe. Avoid using any tools that involve an open flame.
Our Dacula, GA plumbers have seen the problems caused by frozen pipes. They are a headache nobody wants to encounter. Remember to take action when winter weather is on its way and protect your home. It is much easier to take these precautions than it is to repair the damage left by a frozen pipe.
