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Feb 8, 2010 4:45 pm US/Eastern
Helpful Tips To Avoid Frozen Pipes
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―
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If you want to avoid frozen pipes, you may want to invest in some pipe insulation or turn the faucets on to a steady stream.
KDKA
Tens of thousands of homes remain without power after this weekend's snowstorm and to make matters worse, temperatures have been dropping into the single digits overnight.
For homeowners the challenge is not just staying warm, but also protecting their property.
With near record snow-falls in Pittsburgh, many people have been left without electricity as a result.
Their houses are getting very cold and many are concerned about what will happen if their pipes freeze.
"In our area it's power outages. We're still in high demand of generators and propane heaters, Coleman buddy heaters -- any way of keeping warm. Massive runs on batteries, hand warmers, fireplace logs," Andy Amrhein of Evey's True Value said.
With low temperatures in the single digits, the risk of pipes bursting increases immensely.
"We have different kinds of pipe wraps you can insulate the pipe with. The easiest type of pipe insulation is the foam type of insulation that is self sealing that you just split it open and slide it on the pipe and it does an excellent job of keeping the pipe a lot warmer," Amrhein said.
That type of foam insulation costs just $2 for a six foot piece, which is much cheaper than calling a plumber. Here's another cheap alternative.
"Keep that pipe dripping. So, if that's your kitchen sink, turn it on to a steady drip, or if you have other faucets that are prone to freezing, leave the water on, not hard, but just a steady stream and that stream is going to keep the water from freezing," Amrhein said.
Amrhein also said that hopefully, despite the forecast, the worst of winter is behind us.
"We went through about 600 snow shovels in two days and just trying to get more. We're just trying to do everything to keep people supplied with batteries, and shovels and heaters, firewood and everything else, but it's not a fun situation. That's for sure to say the least," Amrhein said.
The telephone continues to ring, as does the cash register as right now a lot of people need help.
Those are some of the tips that you can do to make sure that your pipes and your house stay just the way they should this winter.
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