How to Handle a Burst Pipe

5/18/2021 (Permalink)

No one wants to deal with a burst water pipe. How long it takes for your pipes to freeze and cause problems also depends on your homes insulation and where the pipes are located. General rule of thumb for water to freeze in your homes pipes the temperature outside would need to below 20 degrees Fahrenheit for a total of six hours or longer. Below are a few good precautionary steps you can take to prevent your water pipes for bursting.

1. Disconnect your hoses from you outside faucets.

If your hose is connected to your outdoor faucet the water is not able to drain out causing the water in the water pipe to freeze leading to a potential bursting pipe.

2. Keep your water faucets running

In extreme cold weather it is sometimes a good idea to leave your faucets on a small drip to prevent the water in your pipes from freezing.

3. Install heat tape

Heat tape or wrap is used to go around your pipes and is used to maintain proper temperature to prevent a busted pipe.

4. Check for air leaks around your home

keep the colder air out.

5. Maintain proper temperature in your home

Keep temperatures for dropping to 32 degrees in areas of your house where pipes are located.

6. Leave cabinet doors open

If your sink pipes are on an outside wall keep your cabinet doors open to allow warm air to enter your cabinets to prevent a frozen pipe.