When the temperature is very low (-12), how do you keep your pipes from freezing and busting? do you drip cold water, hot water, or both? yesterday i dripped only cold and the hot water froze (apparently not much because after i opened cabinets and cranked up the heater a little they were running this morning). I am newly divorced and cannot afford to replace all the pipes under my house if they bust. I NEED HELP!!!!
2007-02-15 04:26:18 · 7 answers · asked by Libby 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The easiest solution, but not the best long term solution would be to leave your water running just a little bit, especially at night when it is the coldest. This keeps the water in the pipes moving preventing it from freezing.
You can also get some pipe insulation to put on the pipes, it's very inexpensive and available at any home improvement store.
2007-02-15 04:35:10 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get some heat tape, for outside pipes, from a local hardware store, it tells you how to put it on your pipes, only do this if you can safely get to them. If you can't be sure the wind is blocked from getting to them. Opening cabinets and leaving the hot and cold on a slow steady stream will keep them from freezing.Keep your shower curtain open also. You will need to do that with all the inside water. If you have a faucet outside, just covering it and praying it isn't too late. That is about the best thing you can do. Keep warm and dry.
2007-02-15 04:40:42 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Allow both the hot and cold water run at a trickle throughou the day and night, if you have access to your crawl space you may place a lamp with out the shade close to the exposed pipes to keep them warm. As suggested in prior answers, open your cabinets and keep your heat in the house on above 55 degrees. If you have difficulty you can call your local ServiceMaster and they may be able to offer you suggestions.
2007-02-15 07:51:23 · answer #3 · answered by docswife 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you can get to the pipes, you can get "heat tape" that's used under trailers. Wrap it around your pipe and plug it in. It will stay warm enough to keep from freezing, won't affect your water bill, and doesn't use much electricity at all. Check at your local hardware or plumbing supply store. It shouldn't cost much, and they can help you with installation. Good Luck and Stay Warm!!
Blessings
2007-02-15 04:37:46 · answer #4 · answered by Silverwolf 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a heat tape you can get at Lowes or H.D.It requires 120v recp.You tie it to the pipe and it keeps it warm.
I'll get some and come bye.
Have some hot tea ready.
See ya .
2007-02-15 06:19:38 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes letting both drip will help also plug any holes that lead under your house even vent to help keep the cold out
2007-02-15 04:37:26 · answer #6 · answered by furmanator1957 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sophisticated situation. do a search at the search engines. it can assist!
2015-03-24 17:19:22 · answer #7 · answered by henry 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋