KATHY'S HOME & GARDEN TIPS - FREEZING PIPES
HELP WITH FROZEN PIPES!
I had a clogged sink last week and called my plumber. He said he couldn't come for a few days since he had so many emergency calls due to frozen and burst pipes. This made me think of a few hints to prevent this from happening.
You can cover pipes with foam tubes that snap right on the pipes. Spray foam in a can will also help. Spray behind the pipes into the wall. This will fill any leaks in the drywall where drafts come in. Make sure all exterior joints are well caulked.
Always make sure to drain exterior faucets before freezing temperatures occur. Hose spigots have a cutoff valve inside the house. First shut off the valve, then open the faucet outside. This will drain out any excess water still in the line. If you don't have one of these you can have one installed.
If some of your pipes in exterior walls are in a particularly cold room leave a trickle of water running. This constant stream of water will prevent freezing. This does waste some water but compared to the cost of replacing pipes it is insignificant.
If you want to learn more and also how to deal with a leak in a pipe check out Mike McClintock's article.
HAVE A GREAT WEEK!!!!!!
KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
