Plummeting Temps Pose Problems for Pipes
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Khya Fellingham, 604-374-5274
Vancouver, B.C. (Jan. 1, 2009) — Jack Frost might be nipping at your nose, but keep him far away from the pipes. When water flows out of burst pipes, so does money.
Rule No. 1 for preventing frozen pipes: winterize your plumbing system before the cold winter weather hits, says Mary Kennedy Thompson, President of the Mr. Rooter® Corporation.
”Taking proactive measures can save homeowners money, time and the stress of repairing pipes that burst,” Thompson said. “We recommend homeowners take the time to properly winterize their plumbing now instead of waiting and doing a last ditch effort when it’s urgent or even too late.”
Mr. Rooter Plumbing technicians suggest these tips to keep pipes from freezing:
- Cover faucets and exposed pipes with insulation or wrap them with thick towels
- Secure basement doors, windows and crawl space openings
- Apply electrically-powered heat tape (follow the manufacturer’s instructions)
- Keep faucets running – either a small trickle of water or a constant drip
- Open cabinet doors to allow heat to circulate, keeping interior pipes warm
- Remove garden hoses from outdoor faucets and open outside hose taps so water can drain
- Locate the main water shut-off valve and learn how to use it
- Boiler anti-freeze may be added to any hot water system (since anti-freeze is a toxin, it is best for a professional to install).
“These simple preparation efforts are the key to avoiding frozen pipes,” Thompson said. “In the long run, you’ll thank yourself for taking care of this now.”
For those who put off winterizing and do have pipes that freeze, follow these steps to safely thaw them:
- Turn off the water at the shut-off valve
- Open the nearest faucet – this allows water to drain out as the ice melts
- Heat the exterior of the pipe with a hair dryer – apply heat slowly and don’t keep heat in one spot
- Do NOT attempt to thaw exposed frozen pipes with an open flame, such as an acetylene torch
- Or call the local Mr. Rooter shop, which has electric thawing machines
- If pipes burst and need immediate repair, call a qualified plumber.
About Mr. Rooter®:
Established in 1970, Mr. Rooter Plumbing is an all-franchised, full-service plumbing and drain cleaning company with approximately 300 franchises worldwide. Recognized by Entrepreneur magazine among its “Franchise 500”and Franchise Times Top 200, and selected as the Bronze Non-Traditional Franchises Mature/Established winner by the Canadian Franchisee Association in 2009, Mr. Rooter franchisees provide services to both residential and commercial customers. Mr. Rooter began franchising in 1974 and is a subsidiary of The Dwyer Group, Inc. For more information or to find the location nearest you, please visit our Web site at www.mrrooter.ca.
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