Frozen Water Pipes

Winter Edition (FEMA E-Brief December 4, 2014)

I thought I would pass on to our congregation here at St Mark a winter home safety concern that sometimes gets overlooked.

During extreme cold temperatures, one of the most serious threats to your home is frozen water pipes. According to the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), approximately a quarter-million homes and offices have at least one room damaged by a frozen pipe each year. FLASH encourages you to protect your property this winter by following three easy steps:

·       FOAM: Insulate pipes exposed to the elements or cold drafts. By keeping your water warmer, you reduce the amount of energy needed to heat water in the cold, winter months;

·       DOME: Place an insulating dome or other covering on outdoor faucets and spigots to reduce the likelihood of water pipes freezing, expanding and causing a costly leak; and

·       DRIP: Allow a slow drip from your faucets to reduce the buildup of pressure in the pipes. Even if the pipes freeze, the release pressure in the water system will reduce the likelihood of a rupture.

For more prevention tips or to learn how to properly thaw frozen pipes in your home, check out this informative Weather Channel video. 

Clicking on any of the blue text that is underlined will take you to another site for further information.