Keeping Your Pipes Safe From Freezing in Freehold County, NJ

Freezing temperatures can lead to a slew of issues in and around your home. The biggest concern any homeowner might have when temperatures drop to an all-time low is their plumbing system. Exposed water pipes can freeze and burst. Should a pipe burst in your home, the resulting water damagewill be extensive and expensive to handle. A single burst pipe can easily deposit up to 250 gallons of water in your home per day.

Fortunately, you have an opportunity to prevent your pipes from freezing in Freehold County right now. It will take a little manual labor and a keen eye, but the process will prevent you from accruing hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars in damage.

Before temperatures drop to their lowest, take some time to walk around your house and prepare your plumbing system. You may require a few pieces of equipment, including pipe insulation, which can be found at any local hardware store. Then, you’re all set to protect your pipes from freezing over.

• Drain any water from your swimming pool and sprinkler system supply lines. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to drain each system. Never put antifreeze in these lines unless the manufacturer specifically says to, as it may be harmful otherwise.
  
• If you have an outdoor hose, be sure to remove, drain, and store the hose somewhere warm and dry for the winter. Close the inside vales supply outdoor water faucets and open the faucets to allow water to drain. Leave the faucet open to prevent water from expanding and bursting the pipe.
  
• Thoroughly explore your home for areas where water supply lines are located in unheated areas. You may have water supply lines in the garage, underneath cabinets in the bathroom and kitchen, and in the attic. These pipes should be insulated properly.
  
• Speaking of cabinets, consider opening both the kitchen and bathroom cabinets to let warm air from the heating system circulate inside. You may need to remove household cleaners and chemicals for children and pets.
  

Despite your best efforts, a pipe or two may ultimately free during the winter. Then, you need to take steps to unthaw the pipe to prevent it from bursting. Here is how to properly unthaw a frozen pipe:

• Keep the faucets in your home open. As you treat a frozen pipe, the water will slowly move through the pipe and out the faucet. This running water will then help melt ice in the pipe.

• Apply heat to the frozen section of the pipe using an electric heating pad, electric hair dryer, or portable space heater. Another useful option is a towel soaked in hot water.

• Never use an open flame device to thaw a frozen pipe. That means avoid using a blowtorch, charcoal stove, or propane heater.