HOW To Avoid Frozen Water Pipes
Courtesy of ArticleBiz
In winter months, the water pipes in drafty or unheated areas of your home may be subject to freezing. Cold temperatures along with windy conditions accelerate the freezing process. Pipes can freeze and thaw or worse: freeze, split, thaw and spray, sending out an uncontrolled stream of water that can do severe damage to a home. Water damage is the most common and most expensive insurance claim. So be proactive, and wherever possible relocate pipes that are subject to freezing to warmer areas of the house.
What may surprise many is the fact that hot water pipes will generally freeze sooner than cold water pipes. So, include both when considering the best solution. Here are several things you can do to help avoid frozen pipes:
Install Pipe Insulation
It’s a good practice to insulate water lines of outside walls, and in floors or ceilings that are exposed to the outside.
Winterize Outside Spigots
Start by shutting off any exterior spigots from inside the house. Then, open them from the outside and let any residual water drain. And be sure to disconnect your garden hoses from any exterior spigots to prevent them from splitting and cracking.
Try the Trickle Solution
In areas of the home where pipes may regularly freeze, turn the faucet on to create a slow, steady trickle of water. The constant flow of water through the pipes will prevent them from becoming frozen.
Install a Recirculating Pump
Another creative way to keep freeze-prone pipes flowing is by installing a hot water recirculating pump. This type of pump pushes cold water out the hot pipe until it senses hot water. Then it stops and starts the cycle again to keep the water moving.
Heat Tape
In some instances homeowners may choose heat tape or an electric wire heater to keep pipes warm. However, these types of solutions can lead to problems should the system itself or the power source fail. This can also present a fire hazard if used with the wrong insulation.
On the occasions when Mother Nature brings sub-zero temperatures to your neighborhood and frozen pipes occur; they can be thawed by several methods:
o The safest method is to use an electric hair dryer to apply heat directly to the frozen area of pipe.
o Pipes that run through a garage to a hose spigot can be drained or blown out with a compressor.
o Pipe thawing machines will work well in many applications. This device uses cables similar to car jumper cables. They attach to the pipe on either side of an ice block enabling an electrical current to pass through the pipe and heat it, thawing the ice.
Copper pipes often split, however plastic PEX lines may freeze, expand and thaw without splitting. If your pipes freeze, make sure you know where the main shut off valve is. If you have to leave the house it’s wise to shut the water off, or risk coming home to a “sprinkler system” going in the house.
SIOUX FALLS
Discover a perfect blend of charm and modern convenience in this beautifully updated home. The property boasts newly remodeled kitchen and bathroom, complete with sleek quartz countertops, luxury vinyl plank flooring, and modern appliances. Unique details throughout like recessed pocket shelves and a curved wall adds character, while the lower level also offers a newly renovated family room and fourth bedroom with egress. The large bedroom upstairs includes a walk-in closet and ample storage, accompanied by a full bath and 2 bedrooms. Step outside to an inviting deck, perfect for entertaining or unwinding, with plenty of space for seating and dining. Located just steps from Kennedy Park, home to Cantons brand-new city pool, and near Lawrence Elementary School. Move-in ready and waiting for you, this property is truly a rare gem and a must-see! Dont miss out on this incredible opportunity!
Small town living at its finest! Check out this 5 bed, 3.5 bath home within walking distance to Chester Area School, near Brandt Lake and on 1.7 acres, in town! You will love the space provided in this home and an abundance of storage. With 3212 total finished square feet, there is plenty of room for the whole family. Spacious kitchen with Quartz countertops, ceramic tiled floors, tiled backsplash and open to the dining room. 3 sided fireplace between living room and dining room. Slider to the deck off the dining room. 3 bedrooms on the main floor with a primary suite and an additional full bathroom. Main floor laundry. Downstairs you will find a sizeable family room with a fireplace, built-ins, tons of storage, a wetbar, 2 more bedrooms (one with a walk-in closet), mechanical room with extra storage and access to the core floor under the garage that is huge with a workbench and has a 9 ft wide garage door. The basement includes in-floor heat. The backyard is sizeable and includes a patio to relax and enjoy the fantastic sunsets over the pasture to the west. No backyard neighbors. Garage is a 3 stall, oversized with wide doors for easy access. New roof in 2024. Exterior was painted in 2023. Furnace and AC new two years ago. Upstairs carpet was replaced in 2019. Newer kitchen appliances and washer/dryer. All closets include organization. Radon Mitigation system already installed.
Acreage just a bit off the beaten path provides a hidden paradise complete with mature trees, deer and pheasants roaming around and a view of the pond in the north field. Open concept home on the main level with 2 beds and a full bath plus main floor laundry & new cornstove in the living room. New flooring throughout the home. Third bedroom in the basement is currently being finished. Full, large bathroom in the basement. Room to build equity by finishing off the family room in basement with the space to also add an office. Large double garage with breezeway/ mudroom attached to the home. Home already has a radon mitigation system installed and sump pump included. Roof is only 1 year old. Recently added 12 fruit trees to the property. Seller will leave John Deere lawn mower and Bransonloader tractor with acceptable offer. Property includes a transferrable warranty from Home Warranty, Inc.
or
•
•
•
•
•
Garage 24x22ft
•
•
• Can be
•
Kitchen
•
•
•
Living Room
• Quartz countertops
Primary Bed (14x16ft/Bath)
• Bathroom in-floor heat
• Quartz countertops
Covered Patio
into a screen in 4-seasons room
• Cold water spigot
Landscaping
Insulation, Windows, Flooring
Additional Features
Check out this lakeside paradise on Lake Madison and a short golf cart ride to the Lakes Golf Course! This exceptional year round lakehome boasts a rooftop patio, an in-law suite, plus four spacious bedrooms that offer the perfect blend of comfort and luxury. The open-concept living area features vaulted ceilings, fireplace and panoramic views of Lake Madison. The kitchen includes upgraded appliances for the chef in the family along with a large hidden pantry. The indoor/outdoor bar is an entertainers dream with a glass garage door for indoor/outdoor living! Experience breathtaking sunsets from the 420 sq ft roof top patio! The in-law suite provides privacy and independence for guests, complete with an ensuite bathroom, kitchenette, and walk-in closet! 3-stall heated garage with epoxy floors, and drain. HOA takes care of road maintenance. Home purchase also includes a slip on Lake Madison. Just bring your boat lift and you will be ready to enjoy those summer days cruising on the lake.
