Original Mallick Video
From the field
Key takeaways
- Check exposed piping and properly winterize outdoor hose connections before freezing weather.
- Pipe insulation helps protect exposed lines. Ask a plumber about vulnerable areas in your home.
Transcript excerpts
Hi, this is Connor with Mallick Plumbing and Heating. If you live in the DMV, as you know, it is going to be super cold the next few days. One of our biggest calls that we get during these weather snaps is frozen, burst pipes.
Another thing you can do too is you can put pipe insulation around the pipes. What that will do is it'll help keep the temperature inside the pipes where they need to be and help keep the elements away from those pipes.
Another thing that you can do as well is just double-check and make sure that your hose bibs are nice and winterized properly for the winter. This will also help prevent further damage down the line for you.
Before you act
These excerpts focus on insulation and winterizing. Additional safety guidance from the American Red Cross and CPSC: never use an open flame to thaw a pipe. Follow the heater manufacturer’s instructions, keep portable heaters at least three feet from combustible materials, and turn them off before leaving or sleeping.