Prevent Drain Pipes From Freezing

prevent frozen drains - tulsa ok

If you have any property in the northern climate zones, that are going to be left uninhabited during the winter months, you must drain pipes to prevent freezing. Although not a very difficult task, it can be a bit tedious because you have to be sure that most, if not all, of the water has been purged to prevent damage to the pipes.When you drain pipes to prevent freezing, make sure the main water supply valve has been turned off first, and it is usually located in the basement or a crawl space next to the water meter. Once the water has been turned off, you can proceed.

• Always start on the top floor. Water runs down with gravity, so drain pipes to prevent freezing on the upper floor first.

• Turn on all faucets. Any leftover pressure will force water out of these fixtures.

• Drain toilet tanks and bowls. Flush the toilets repeatedly until all of the tank water is drained. If possible, scoop out as much of the toilet bowl water that you can. If that can't be done, pour in a cup of biodegradable RV anti-freeze into the bowl. This will keep the left over water from freezing.

• Drain your hot water tank. Turn off the gas or electric power first, than drain the tank fully. A siphon effect will pull out most of the leftover hot and cold water from the pipes.

• Drain pipes. There are two things you can do for drain pipes. You can send compressed air into each drain to force the water out. If you don't have an air compressor, you can pour biodegradable RV anti-freeze into each drain. Doing either one of these will ensure that your drain pipes won't freeze and rupture.

By following these simple tips, you'll have peace of mind knowing that your pipes will be intact and problem free next time they are used.

If you need more information about draining your pipes, please feel free to contact Air Assurance. We've been serving the  Broken Arrow and Tulsa area since 1985.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Paul-Tessier/Shutterstock”

WATER PIPE FREEZE SERVICES

WATER PIPE FREEZE REPAIRS - TULSA OK

The cost of household water damage due to frozen pipes averages about $15,000. Though pooling water typically freezes at 32 degrees, outdoor temperatures of 25 degrees or lower are usually required to freeze water inside household pipes. Once it happens, ice formation inside a pipe typically expands by about 9%, imposing tremendous pressure inside the pipe, all too frequently causing a pipe rupture. The fact that a pipe has broken due to freezing may not be apparent until later, when temperatures rise and the pipe thaws.

A typical home water-supply line has a flow rate averaging 8 to 10 gallons per minute. If that pipe ruptures, the amount of water turned loose in your home can wreak severe damage on the structure of the house as well as on your possessions. However, you’re not helpless against the threat of damage that may occur due to frozen pipes. Here are some preventive measures you can take before frigid weather, as well as what to do once it strikes.

• Insulate now. Before cold weather strikes, install foam pipe insulation on all accessible spans of both cold- and hot-water pipes inside and under the house. The insulation reduces heat loss from the pipe and helps avoid ice formation that causes rupture.

• Turn up the thermostat. If extremely cold temperatures below 25 degrees are forecast, set the furnace thermostat to 70 degrees and maintain that temperature as long as frigid conditions persist.

• Let the faucets drip. Opening cold-water faucets to allow a slow drip of water during low temperatures reduces pressure inside pipes that occurs if ice forms. This can make the difference between merely frozen pipes and a ruptured pipe that causes water damage.

• Circulate warm air. Open cabinet doors and closets in kitchens and bathrooms to allow warm air to reach exposed pipes in those areas.

• Know the location of your house's main water shut-off valve. Test it once a year to ensure it turns freely.

For more advice about preventing frozen pipes and the damage that ensues, contact the professionals at Air Assurance.