Freezing water pipes is a common problem during the winter season. Water pipes during the winter can easily freeze and burst at lower temperatures. This can cause many unwanted problems. It is important that everyone in the household knows where the main valve and how to tighten it, in case it needs tightening. Protect water meters and manholes, and in the case of extreme cold, tuck your pipes with material that will prevent the cold freezing the water. Those who are planning to go for a few days, should empty their plumbing, just in case. Particular attention should be paid to the external pipe – they should be covered with insulation and protection.
If you heat with electricity and leave for the winter do not leave the house completely without heat, especially if he meteorologist have announced extreme low temperatures. It is necessary to set the heating bar at minimum of 13 °C.
In many cases, majority of water pipes are placed under the closets. In this case, hold those closet doors opened for a while, in order to allow the heat to reaches the pipes.
If the external temperature is under -7 °C for certain time, allow the water to cap. This refers to the pipes that are at-risk areas. Dripping reduces the pressure to the pipes, and the possibility of bursting of the pipes is decreased.
If the water in the pipes has still managed to freeze, with all the precaution measures, it still is not too late, and the sooner you start acting, the better.
If the pipes are located within the walls, try warming up that part of the wall. Do not use an open flame in any case. The best option is an ordinary home hair dryer and towels soaked in hot water or direct the heaters to the walls.
Leave the pipes slightly opened and slowly dissolve the frozen pipe, part by part. It is desirable to switch off the main valve while defrosting.