When water freezes it expands, it can cause hundreds, even thousands of Dollars worth of damage. Be prepared and use that extra money towards a beach vacation, away from this frigid weather.
ALWAYS KNOW WHERE YOUR MAIN WATER SHUTOFF IS LOCATED.
-FIND THE LOCATION OF YOUR WATER METER AND YOU WILL FIND YOUR MAIN WATER SHUTOFF(BASEMENT, CRAWL SPACE, LAUNDRY ROOM, EVEN UNDER YOUR KITCHEN SINK).
INSULATE YOUR PIPES.
-PIPE SLEEVES, HEAT TAPE, NEWSPAPER
KEEP YOUR FAUCET OPEN.
-LET YOUR SINK DRIP
KEEP YOUR CABINETS OPEN WHERE YOU HAVE WATER LINES, ALLOWING HEAT TO CIRCULATE.
WATER LINES THAT ARE ON A OUTSIDE WALL, SHOULD BE EXPOSED FROM THE INSIDE TO LET HEAT GET TO THEM.
IF YOU HAVE WATER LINES OR YOUR WATER HEATER IS IN THE GARAGE, KEEP IT CLOSED AND INSULATED.
IF YOUR PIPES FREEZE, USE A HAND DRIER, ELECTRIC SPACE HEATER, HEAT LAMP, TO TRY TO THAW OUT PIPES.
-DON'T LEAVE UNATTENDED
APPLY HEAT TO PIPES UNTIL WATER PRESSURE IS RESTORED.
IF YOU CAN'T THAW OUT THE PIPES, CALL A LICENSED PLUMBER.
For Future Protection
- Pipes can be relocated by a professional plumber
- Add insulation to your attic, basement, crawl space, and garage
- For more information contact a licensed plumber
Just remember, our Chicago Summer days are right around the corner.
