Beware of freezing pipes in Bedford VA
Scott gives some great information on how to protect pipes from freezing.
Leaving them to drip is easiest; however, I have a tenant departing a townhouse that keeps coming back and turning OFF the heat and hot water when the hot water heater is OUTSIDE and if the pipes are left with no warmth, they will FREEZE
I have a 60 degree temp mandate in my leases.
Beware of freezing pipe
With the sudden burst of cold air hitting the Bedford Area, homeowner need to be aware of potential freezing pipes. Freezing pipes in Mobile and older homes are more common. A frozen pipe cam mean thousands of dollars worth of damage.
A little bit of preparation can prevent costly repairs.
1. Insulate your pipes! Pipe insulation is not very expensive and easy to install.
2. Use Heat Tape in exposed areas. The crawl space under Mobile homes can be a problem area, the area between the ground and the home can be a problem. Apply the heat tape and read the directions. Often the tape has to be replaced.
3. Let the faucets drip or run slowly. I know its wasting water but keeping the water moving will help to prevent freezing pipes. Its your choice, a little bit of money in wasted water.. or costly repairs...
4.When its really cold, check all your faucets each day. You never know, in one of my bathrooms we have side by side sinks. One day I tried one of the faucets and it didnt work while the other one was fine.
5. Leave vanity doors open. The warmth in the room will help keep the pipes warm too..
What do you do if your pipes freeze?
It depends upon the area. Locate where the problem and feel the pipe to see if the pipe is cracked. If not, turn on the water slightly and try to find a way to expose the problem area to warm heat. A portable heater, a hair dryer..Something to slowly warm the pipes up. It always a good idea to talk with a plumber.
Scott Fogleman
434.941.8847
scott@scottfogleman.com
Witt-Fogleman, Inc
101 Tradewynd Drive
Lynchburg, VA 24502
Keller Williams Realty
Scott Fogleman is a Realtor serving Bedford, VA, Lynchburg, VA, Roanoke, VA, and Smith Mountain Lake, VA. He is licensed in the state of Virginia.
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