Grande Prairie is entering its usual freeze-thaw cycle that comes in the late winter and early spring, and the Alberta Motor Association is encouraging homeowners to be mindful of the dangers that come with freezing pipes.
When the weather freezes and thaws in short periods of time, officials warn that pipes could burst as they thaw due to the pressure from liquid water getting caught between the frozen water inside the pipe and the faucet, which can create damages that carry a hefty price tag.
“Frozen water can create cracks in your pipes—and when that ice starts to melt, the leaking water can cause extensive water damage to the home,” AMA Insurance Agency Property Claims Supervisor Dennise Roach says.
Homeowners need not worry, however. AMA says a few simple steps can save you a major hassle as the weather warms up.
According to the AMA, typically, outdoor faucets usually feel the cold first, so it is critical homeowners take the time to turn off the valve to outdoor water faucets, disconnect and drain hoses, and drain the outdoor faucet so there is no water left in the pipe.
If you have any vacation plans during the colder months, AMA recommends keeping the furnace on, making sure the temperature in your home is above 15°C, turning off the main water valve, and having someone check your home every day while you’re away.
