With temperatures that may dip well below the freezing mark here in Utah, our team at Gillette Services – Plumbing, Heating & Air has some tips to protect your plumbing equipment.
- Always keep your heat on with the thermostat set no lower than 55 degrees—even when you’re away from home.
- Let room-temperature water trickle from all your faucets to keep the water flowing.
- Open cabinet doors, allowing warm air to reach pipes.
- Protect any exposed pipes outdoors, in the attic or the crawl space, using pipe insulation or heat tape.
- Protect your water heater with an insulation blanket.
- Locate your main shut-off water valve in the event of a pipe burst
- Seal any leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes.
- Drain and disconnect garden hoses.
- Keep the garage door shut if there are water supply lines in the garage.
How to Thaw Frozen Pipes
Bursting pipes are one of the most common issues with freezing weather. A half-inch pipe can spew as much as 50 gallons per minute! If you turn on your faucet and only a trickle comes out, it could be because of a frozen pipe.
Here are some tips on how to thaw a frozen pipe:
- Keep the faucet open, but shut off the main water valve. As you treat the frozen pipe and it begins to thaw, water will start to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.
- Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, or wrapping pipes with towels in hot water. You can also use a portable space heater—but keep it away from flammable materials.
- Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene, propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame devices.
- Apply heat until the full water pressure is restored.
Call Your Plumbing Experts Today
Are you having trouble locating the frozen area? Give Gillette Services – Plumbing, Heating & Air a call right away! Our licensed plumbers will address the problem and other tips to keep your Utah home comfortable throughout the cold winter. Call us at (801) 465-7760 or request service online.
