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One of the persistent annoyances about Ohio winters is the possibility of household pipes freezing. This not only interrupts water service, but it can cause the plumbing to burst, flood your house, and require water damage restoration. Here are some ways to help you avoid this situation.

How to Keep Pipes From Freezing

1. Open Cabinets

Warm indoor air may not be able to reach all your pipes to keep them from freezing. On particularly cold nights, open the under-sink cabinets in your kitchen and bathrooms to allow warm air to circulate. This is particularly critical if the sinks are located on exterior walls.

2. Cover & Shut Off Outdoor Faucets

damage restorationSince metal is a significant conductor of heat and cold, insulate outdoor faucets. You can buy foam covers that fit over the knob and spigot to shield them from the frigid weather. For extra protection, turn off service to these faucets from inside the house. Then, open the valves and let the faucets drain all water from the pipes before you cover them. That way, even if the attached pipes do get cold, there is no water in them to freeze and cause them to burst.

3. Let Faucets Drip

Flowing water is much less likely to freeze than still water. This is true even if the flow rate is very slow. Take advantage of this by leaving your faucets slightly open at night—just enough to release a drop or two of water every few seconds. Yes, you may waste a gallon or so of water, but you won't have to worry about the cost of plumbing repairs and water damage restoration.

 

If, despite your efforts, your pipes have burst and you need water damage restoration, contact Rumpke Restoration in Greater Cincinnati, OH. Their service area includes the cities of Loveland, Milford, West Chester, Mason, Amelia, Batavia, Anderson, New Richmond, Northside, Hamilton, Fairfield, Springfield, and Dayton; Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, Highland, and Warren counties; Union, Montgomery, and Symmes townships; and the Village of Indian Hill. They offer 24/7 emergency service and now provide financing to make their services even more affordable. In addition to water removal and damage restoration, they also specialize in mold removal, smoke restoration, storm damage cleanup, and even demolition. Visit their website to explore their services, and call (513) 760-5501 to make an appointment.

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