How to Prevent Frozen or Burst Pipes This Winter

Union City homeowners must understand the dangers and risks of frozen or burst water pipes as winter weather approaches. According to CostHelper, the average cost to replace a broken water pipe is $900, plus extra fees for water damage repairs.
Our CBJ Plumbing Union City NJ Services professionals want to provide you with all the information you need to understand this common issue, avoid frozen pipes, and know what to do in the case of burst pipes.

How Do Pipes Freeze and What Happens?
Frozen water pipes may rupture due to increased pressure since water expands when it freezes. The uninsulated water pipes located along exterior walls, attics, basements, crawl spaces, and kitchen cabinets in your New Jersey home are the most susceptible.
If exterior water pipes are not drained before winter arrives, they may burst, causing damage to outdoor hoses, sprinkler systems, irrigation systems, and swimming pools.
The older your water pipes, the more likely it is that frozen water may cause major problems and damage. Because many modern homes have complicated plumbing systems, a broken pipe may cause catastrophic damage.

In less than an hour, a single burst pipe may leak four to eight gallons of water each minute, causing thousands of dollars in damage. As a result, a home or company may become uninhabitable for many weeks.

Steps taken before winter may dramatically minimize the chance of frozen or broken water lines. 

Consider the following criteria.
Drain the water from your swimming pool and sprinkler lines according to the manufacturer's directions.
• Remove and drain any outside hoses. Turn off the water supply to these hoses and leave the external valve open to drain any remaining water. Spigots might benefit from insulation.
• Insulate any exposed, prone to freezing water lines.
Insulate the hot water tank.
• Know where and how to utilize your home's main shutoff.
• If water lines are located there, keep your garage door closed.
Open the cupboards in your kitchen and bathroom on particularly cold days to allow warm air to circulate the pipes.
• Turn on the taps and allow room-temperature water to flow out, especially at night when it's colder.
• Do not allow your home's temperature to go below 55 degrees.
• If you will be gone from home for an extended period, turn off the water supply and run all fixtures until no more water is flowing out of them to empty the water system.

Warning Signs
Even after taking precautions, frozen pipes may occur. As a property owner, you should understand a few basic warning signs that a water pipe may be frozen.
For example, if water flow is slowed or stopped at a particular fixture, your system may include frozen water. Before bursting, a frozen pipe may begin to leak. Keep an eye out for any wet spots on your walls or ceilings.

If you suspect a pipe has frozen, keep the faucet open. Resuming the water flow will help melt the ice in the pipe when the frozen section thaws. The pipes may also be thawed by wrapping them in hot water-soaked cloths. For more information. 
​
A heating pad, hair dryer, or space heater may warm up a potentially frozen pipe. However, while operating electrical equipment near water sources, you must exercise great care and employ fire safety procedures. To cope with frozen pipes near electrical outlets, contact a competent plumber.

After a Pipe BurstsMoving as quickly as possible will prevent damage if a water pipe in your house breaks. First, turn off your home's water supply. You should be aware of the placement of this valve in case of an emergency.
Move your items out of the way and switch off any electric appliances near the water flow. Catch and collect as much water as you can with buckets. While you wait, use your kitchen and bathroom faucets to drain any remaining water from your plumbing system via working drains.
After you have dealt with the immediate situation, contact an expert to repair your pipes. Before calling your insurance company, photograph your losses.

Call Us for All Your Plumbing NeedsContact CBJ Plumbers Services in Union City, NJ, if you have frozen pipes or other plumbing issues. Contact us by phone at (201) 875-1054 or online.