Georgia is experiencing some of the coldest weather the state has seen in over a year. Temperatures have been in the teens, and the wind-chill makes it feel like negative digits. Not only are the lower temperatures uncomfortable, they also can cause expensive problems.
When water freezes it expands, and that could cause a nasty issues when it come to your pipes potentially freezing or bursting. Here are five things that you can do to prevent your pipes from freezing.
1. Before the colder months come, look for any cracks or opening and seal them.
2. Use a weather strip and caulk around basement windows and crawl space doors.
3. Insulate your house to keep it warm in the winter.
4. Use pipe wrap insulation to insulate unprotected pipes.
5. Replace old windows.
If your pipes do end up freezing, here's how to unthaw them.
1. Open the facet of the pipe. Flowing water can help to melt ice faster.
2. If you have exposed pipes, heat the source with a heating pad, hair dryer, damp towels etc.
3. If you have enclosed pipes, turn the heat on in your home.
4. Never use an open flame or extreme heat to thaw pipes.
If you do find yourself in a situation where your pipes burst here's what you do.
1. Turn off the power.
2. Turn off the water.
3. Turn off the hot water.
4. Drain the water.
5. Make temporary repairs.
6. Reach out to a professional.
