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Aluminum foilElectric heating tapeElectrical tapeHeat gunInsulation tapeInsulationClip Transcript For:
How to Defrost and Protect Pipes
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" When the outside temperature drops below 20 degrees in the winter, pipes can freeze and break. Here's how to safely defrost the pipe, and protect it from freezing again. Make sure you're ready for surprises. Know how to quickly turn off the water supply to the pipe in case you discovered that the pipe was cracked or broken by the freezing process. Open the faucet fed by the pipe that's now frozen. You'll quickly be able to tell when the pipes starts to defrost by the flow of water."
" again. Here are some tips. First, until you get the pipe properly protected, leave the faucet running at a trickle. It will waste a small amount of water, but the pipe won't freeze if there's water running through it. If the pipe runs along an outside wall, try to slide insulation into the space between the wall and the length of pipe, which will protect the pipe from the cold. In addition, you can wrap the entire length of pipe with fiberglass insulation tape, or a foam sleeve to insulate the pipe from the surrounding area. If the pipe is located in the cabinet or a closet, leave the cabinet doors open on cold nights to allow the circulation and warmer air from the room to enter the cabinet. If the space of the pipe is in a subject to extended freezing temperatures, you can keep the pipe warm with an electric heating tape. Following the instructions, instal the tape along the pipe, holding it in place for the electrical tape. Cover the electrical tape with nonflammable fiberglass tape. To prevent condensation from forming and dropping on the floor, wrap the fiberglass insulation with the plastic wrap that came with the kit. Always plug the three-pronged plug of the heating tape into a three-pronged outlet. To make sure the heat tape is properly grounded. If you use an extension cord, make sure it's heavy duty and rated for the same amperage demanded by the heating tape. On cold days, check the pipe until you are sure the approach who have taken has solved the problem. With a little care, the pipe should not freeze for winters to come."