Cold snap translates into critical precautions
By: Katie Pizza
Argus Observer
Sunday, December 21, 2008 1:58 AM PST
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| Katie Pizza | Argus Observer
As cold weather approaches, homeowners are urged to take a few precautions to keep their pipes from freezing. |
Ontario—As parents bundle up their children to prepare for the chilly winter ahead, many area residents may remain unaware of the dangers that lurk under the kitchen sink as temperatures drop.
Pipe freezing is a fairly common issue in the winter months, and if not treated, it can also be a costly one. Water expands as it freezes, leaving pipes susceptible to breaking.
Ontario Public Works Director Chuck Mickelson recommends removing the hoses from spigots and covering the spigot with an insulated cover to further protect it from the elements.
The American Red Cross recommends closing inside valves that supply water to outdoor spigots as well as opening the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. The organization also suggests keeping the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without cause the pipe to break.
The American Red Cross asserts pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to severe cold, like swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages or kitchen cabinets, as well as pipes near exterior walls that have little or no insulation.
David Harris Plumbing co-owner Susan Harris recommends keeping water running when it gets cold. Mickelson also spoke about this solution for homes that have had frozen pipes before. However, he said this technique could be expensive because the city would still charge for water used in this manner. However, he said this solution is less expensive than replacing a frozen pipe. Mickelson said frozen pipes are not an issue for the city’s system because the pipes are normally dug 42 to 48 inches into the ground.
Harris offered other solutions to those worrying about their pipes this winter.
“You should also deal with cracks so you don’t have wind blowing on your pipes,” she said.
She also recommended allowing heat to get onto cold pipes to prevent freezing. The American Red Cross also recommends buying pipe sleeves, heat cables and heat tape to prevent freezing. Pipe-heating cables normally cost between $25 to $45, with heating tape averaging around $35 to $40. Both the cable and the tape plug into an electrical source and use heat to keep water flowing. If a faucet only emits a trickle of water, a frozen pipe may be to blame. Though a great deal of heat at once might seem like a quick fix, the organization cautions against using open flame devices like a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater or charcoal stove. Doing so could cause the water in the pipe to boil creating an explosion. Instead, The American Red Cross recommends using a blow dryer, portable space heater or electric heating pad. The organization also recommends keeping the faucet open, as the warming technique begins to work, the flowing water will melt more ice in the pipe. The Red Cross recommends keeping heat applied to the pipe until water pressure is fully restored.
