Winter is a difficult season to face as a homeowner. Because a prolonged cold snap can put a lot of pressure on our home plumbing system. So, it brings extra responsibilities for us to keep the water running steadily through the supply pipes.
Moreover, if, for instance, your furnace boiler breaks down during the mid-winter and you don't have a central heating system in place, the water pipes could be exposed to some serious threats.
However, the good news is that, even if you're trapped with no heating more than a day, and experts aren't available right away, you still have a few choices to deal with such a rough situation.
So, How to Keep Pipes from Freezing Without Heat?
You can try some of the tips highlighted below to avoid costly repairs from being needed.
First, you need to turn off the furnace boiler emergency switch. The boiler tank may be able to keep water warm for a couple of days. However, if it is exposed to extended cold, it will freeze. Therefore, any water left should be drained within 2-3 days by opening the drain spigot at the bottom. And, don't forget to refill water in before the boiler is restarted again.
Now, you should flush all the toilets and pour 64 ounces of non-toxic antifreeze into the bowls to prevent water from freezing in the traps.
Next, you have to identify vulnerable water pipes. So, inspect around the exterior of your home and walk into the unheated interior places (i.e., attics, basement, etc.) as pipes are most likely to freeze in these areas. Once you suspect and identify any problematic pipe, shut off the main supply valve first, then disconnect the subject pipe and drain it until it is empty. Switching off the main water supply will keep any cracks or spillage limited to a tiny part of the pipeline by preventing the water from coming into the line if it starts to freeze over.
Then, leave both the cold and hot water faucets open to a slow constant drip. This will allow pipes running with the water and help relieve pressure around "dead cold areas" in the supply lines. The strategy is a little controversial, but we can call it a necessary evil. Although it might not prevent the freezing or thaw pipes entirely, the residual heat carried from the underground water will be flowing through the pipes. As a result, this tactic will be deterring ice forming around them.
If the sun makes its appearance on the day you just lost the central heat, don't miss the opportunity to let sunlight come into your house. You can increase your home temperature by one or two degrees keeping the curtains and blinds open throughout the day.
It's easy to understand that the ambient temperature within the house will be a bit higher than the outside. So, keep the cabinet doors open for warmer air to circulate around the kitchen pipes and help avoid quick freezing. Conversely, the garage door should be kept closed, particularly when pipes are running through it that could be at risk to freeze over.
You might be too concerned about frozen drain pipes here. But, the fact that this part of our home plumbing is used frequently and they do not typically hold water down the line, drain pipes are not stressed like the other supply pipes during winter. In addition, the diameter of a drain water pipe is also bigger than the average water pipe. Therefore, in most instances, a blocked drain line is unlikely to occur. However, if you ask me, I wouldn't overlook the possibility, and if I discover a frozen drain line, I will simply grab two kettles of near-boiled water and pour it onto the sink to slowly melt the ice.
However, if the heating is long-off and your property is exposed to a constant low temperature, I recommend, don't leave it too late to contact a qualified expert who can fix the problems so that your home is reverted back to normal soon.
And lastly, it goes without saying that the cost of prevention is always trivial to the cost of repair. So, before winter sets in, consider insulating exposed pipes to protect them during coldest months. It may be a simple yet straightforward solution to wrap them with heat tape or pipe sleeves along the duct lengths. These products are readily available in your local home center, and it won't be an expensive investment.
Also, you should regularly check the furnace boiler. A common reason for furnace boiler breakdown during winter is frozen pipes come from the outside to then meet the boiler. So, if you realize a condensation builds-up around a connecting pipe, pour boiled water on the frozen section to help it thaw and then keeping an eye open for the next week.
Learn More: https://pickhomestore.com/how-to-keep-pipes-from-freezing-without-heat/