Cold Snap Causing a Lot of Frozen Pipes
The FreezeAlarm will electronically monitor your property’s temperature and power status, automatically calling you or a designated caretaker if the power fails or the temperature drops inside your home or cabin.
Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB via PR Web
Direct) December 22, 2004 -- It doesn’t take much to freeze a pipe inside a
house. All you need is single digit temperatures and a failed furnace or power
failure. If these conditions, pipes can freeze within less than eight hours.
Often, the frozen pipes may remain a hidden problem until the heat is restored
and the pipe begins to thaw. There are, however, some valuable tips to follow
during such an emergency and some unique devices to help avoid the problem
happening in the future.
You Suspect Your Pipes are Frozen
First, turn
off the water at the main shut off valve to prevent further flooding. You can
slowly warm up a frozen pipe that you suspect is frozen using a hair dryer,
working from the faucet towards the coldest part of the pipe or the area where
frozen. Be sure nothing flammable is nearby when using this method. Be aware,
that if the pipe has burst, you may see water start to flow from the leak, but
if your main water valve is turned off and you leave the taps open on all your
sinks, excess water will try to drain out the path of least resistance. It is
advisable to call a plumber as well to check the rest of your pipes and repair
the leak. Contact your insurance agent as well to begin the task of cleaning up
and getting your home (or business) back in order.
Preventing Frozen
Pipes
There are some easy ways to help prevent pipes from
freezeing.
• Insulate any pipes in your home or business’
crawl space, attic and outside walls. When the temperature drops below 20°F
(-7°C), pipes in homes or businesses without adequate insulation are very
susceptible to freezing.
• Seal any leaks that allow cold
air inside where pipes are located. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring,
dryer vents and pipes. With severe wind chill, a tiny opening can let in enough
cold air to cause a nearby pipe to freeze.
• Do not set
your thermostat any lower than 55°F (13°C). A lower setting may keep the air
near the thermostat sufficiently warm but leave air cold where pipes are found –
along outside walls, near windows and under cabinets.
•
Disconnect garden hoses and use the indoor valve to shut off and drain water
from pipes leading to outside faucets.
If you are going to be away, it is
recommended that you keep an eye on your property to make sure the temperature
is maintained and no power failures have occurred. You could ask a neighbor or
relative to do this or for the ultimate peace of mind, simply install a
FreezeAlarm. It will electronically monitor your property’s temperature and
power status, automatically calling you or a designated caretaker if the power
fails or the temperature drops inside your home or cabin. The FreezeAlarm is
easy to use, requires no installation and has no monitoring fees – simply plug
in a phone line and your home is protected. Add a waterAlarm to monitor for the
presence of water as well!
Protect yourself from frozen pipes this winter
with a few simple precautions and a FreezeAlarm. FreezeAlarms are available from
your local heating contractor or Ace Hardware Stores. You can also call Control
Products at 800-947-9098 or visit them on-line at
ProtectingYourHome.com.
Since 1985, Control Products, Inc. has been known
for innovative technologies in custom electronic design and manufacturing.
Pioneers in electronic controls and sensor technology, its products are used in
various commercial and consumer applications around the world. The FreezeAlarm
technology grew out of a commercial product designed to alert service
technicians of rising temperatures in supermarket coolers and freezers. Today,
it is just one of many inventive products designed and manufactured by Control
Products, Inc. To learn more about all the devices and services offered by
Control Products, Inc. visit us on-line at www.controlproductsinc.com or call 800-947-9098. Call
800-880-6000 and we’ll send you a FreezeAlarm absolutely free.
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/12/prweb191455.htm