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Our plumbing team have some must read tips to prevent sewer lines from freezing during winter
Frozen plumbing lines are a common frustration during cold weather. Without winterizing sewer lines the frozen pipes are at the risk of bursting due to dropping temperature because water expands when the temperature reaches below 4 degrees celsius.
This could lead to property damage and could cost thousands of dollars on the repair of damaged pipelines. Preventing sewer lines from freezing during winter might cost you extra bucks but it’s worth avoiding the trouble. Protect your water systems from ice blockages, frozen and burst pipes by taking the necessary measures.
Why Do Frozen Pipes Burst?
- Frozen water pipes are likely to burst in winters because of the pressure that builds up inside the pipes. When water molecules freeze, they form hexagonal crystals and take up more space than the liquid molecules. Water molecules expand when they freeze and push the water forward towards the closed faucet.
The constant force exerted by the ice blockage and water builds up pressure inside the pipes. Eventually, the pipes give in to the pressure and rupture. The best practice is to keep the pipes at an adequate temperature well above the freezing point by taking the following steps:
Leave The Faucet Slightly Open
When the temperature plummets in winter, bursting pipes are a big concern. Allow the water to drip by slightly opening the faucet. This helps prevent pressure from building up inside the lines and reduces the risk of bursting pipes.
Seal Off The Holes and Cracks
- Crawl spaces, openings, and cracks can become a cause of concern in winters. Check your house for openings and cracks and seal them right away to prevent the cold air from freezing the water pipes.
Another thing that can be done to keep the pipes from freezing is to allow the heat to reach where pipes are located. Pipes located inside the house can be kept warm by opening the cabinet doors to allow the heat to flow.
Insulate The Pipelines
- This is probably the best practice that helps prevent pipes from freezing in the first place. Specially designed insulations are available for pipes that hinder the cold from freezing the pipes. These insulations are often an inexpensive investment that can save the cost of repairing burst pipes.
Special attention should be given to insulating the pipes that are present in the cold corners or basement. Fiberglass, polyethylene, and foam are the common forms of pipe insulations.
Provide External Heat
Applying heating tape to the cold sections of the pipes is a smart move. Heating tape supplies direct heat to the pipes and keeps them warm during the cold spells. This could be done for the sections of the pipes that are exposed to extreme colds, such as pipes located outside the house.
Two types of heating tapes can be installed. One that works as a heat sensor and turns on and off accordingly. The second type of heating tape needs to be plugged in manually when heat is needed. Safe procedures and instructions should be followed to prevent any mishaps.
Keep Your House Warm
- Even if you have plans to stay away from home during winter, leave the heat on. It may not seem like a good idea to leave the heat on in an empty house but it is a wise move. This helps safeguard your property from a disaster that could result from a frozen, burst pipe.
It is not necessary to keep the house as warm as it normally is but setting the temperature to 55 degrees or above would be appropriate. This heat is enough to prevent any adversities otherwise caused by frozen pipes.
- Get in touch with the Proline Plumbing team at 832-772-5501 for getting your sewer line and plumbing issues fixed. We are located in Houston, Texas.