Harvey W. Hottel, Inc.

Since 1945

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Prevent Frozen Pipes in Your Washington DC Home

You may think your plumbing system is in perfect working order, but when cold weather hits, you may be forced to change your mind. Frozen pipes pose a serious, costly risk to your home. Frozen water in a pipe can expand and then rupture the pipe, which can lead to several hundred gallons of water spilled in your home, leading to thousands of dollars worth of damage.

Pipes that are most susceptible to freezing are located in an outside wall, under a sink or outside wall, or in an unheated crawlspace. Outdoor faucets are also susceptible, so be sure to unattach your garden hoses before freezing temperatures arrive, as well as close shut-off valves on the pipes that lead to your outdoor faucets and open outdoor faucets so any residual water can drain out.

As for preventing indoor frozen pipes, insulate any pipes that may be exposed to freezing temperatures, such as those in your garage, attic, or crawl spaces. Keep your garage door closed during freezing weather and seal leaks that allow cold air inside near pipes. Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to uninsulated pipes under sinks and appliances.

You can detect that a pipe has frozen if you turn the faucet on and little to no water comes out. If you do find a pipe has become frozen, never try to thaw it with a torch or open flame. Leave the affected faucets on, and if you find that the pipe has burst, turn off the water at the main shut-off valve. Then call the professionals at Harvey W. Hottel for expert plumbing service. Based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, Harvey W. Hottel provides heating, air conditioning, plumbing, and geothermal services throughout the entire Baltimore, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia metropolitan area, including Bethesda, Rockville, and Falls Church.