Broken Pipes Coming? – by Whitman Parker

With temperatures here in the Jacksonville area well below freezing for the past 96+ hours, be prepared for the possibility of broken water pipes when it warms-up in the next 24-48 hours. According to my plumber, once things start thawing-out, that’s when broken pipes will become an issue. The reason is that ice formed now on/in your pipes acts like “glue” and can actually hold pipes together. Once that “glue” melts, water line cracks and breaks will then allow pressurized water to escape – like a gusher. Trust me, I had a major pipe break three years ago that turned my garage into a messy pond of water, drywall and insulation.

Tip #1: know where your water supply line shut-off valve is located and how to turn it OFF. Don’t wait, go find it NOW and let others in your household know, too. If you have a well and pump house, label shut-off valves so those unfamiliar with your system can assist in case you are not home during an emergency.

Tip #2: let faucets inside your house drip/trickle night and day. Though it might waste a bit of water, it pales in comparison to the amount of water you’ll waste with a broken pipe. Trust me, the cost of dripping/trickling water is insignificant compared to plumbing and drywall repair costs. If you want to conserve the water, place a bucket or watering can under the faucet (in the sink) and water your plants!

Tip #3: open cabinet doors under your sinks to allow warmer air to circulate and reach exposed pipes – especially for water sources located on exterior walls. Caution: if you have toxic chemicals/cleaners in those cabinets or other potentially harmful stuff, keep it away from pets and kids.

Tip #4: Throughout the day and night, flush toilets occasionally and fully open your indoor water faucets and let them run for a bit. This keeps water moving and helps prevent ice blockages from forming in the first place.

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