Preventing Frozen Pipes

1/28/2020 (Permalink)

Home or business, protect your pipes from freezing!

You can protect your home or business from winter weather by taking these actions suggested by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). Their winter weather guidance can be found on their site, www.DisasterSafety.org.

Protect Homes or Businesses from Winter Weather: Preventing Frozen Pipes

1. Insulate and seal attic penetrations, such as partition walls, vents, plumbing stacks and electric/mechanical chases; insulate and seal wall cavities as well.

2. insulate pipes most vulnerable to freezing (in attic or in basement) by using pipe insulation.

3. Provide a reliable backup power source to ensure continuous power to your home.

4. Set reasonable temperatures - keep the thermostat at a reasonable temperature, even if you'll be away from home.

5. Install a temperature monitoring system that provides notifications if the building's temperature dips below a pre-determined number.

6. Install an automatic excess flow switch on the main incoming domestic water line to monitor and provide early detection of a broken pipe or valve; use wireless sensors near water sources.

7. Monitor sprinkler systems using a central station to provide early detection of a pipe failure and heat unheated sprinkler control rooms.

8. Let all faucets drip during extreme cold weather to prevent freezing of the water inside the pipe, and if freezing does occur, drips will relieve pressure buildup in the pipes between the ice blockage and the faucet.

9. Keep bathroom and kitchen sink cabinet doors open during cold spells to let warm air circulate around the pipes below the sink.

https://disastersafety.org/winter-weather/protect-your-home-from-severe-winter-weather/