The Big Freeze: Polar Vortex 2014 takes hold on Long Island

2/25/2014 (Permalink)

The Polar Vortex 2014 is making this winter one of the costliest in years.

By Deborah Rashti

SERVPRO of Great Neck Port Washington

The Farmer’s Almanac was right on when it predicted that the winter of 2013-2014 would result in “below-normal temperatures and above-normal snowfall.”   January has had its share of snow and the bone chilling temperatures that the Polar Vortex brought to our area seem to be staying with us straight into February.  The surge in pipe breaks from this deep freeze is making January one of the costliest in years. While taking preventative measures to keep your pipes safe from breaking before winter arrives is always a better idea; there are steps you can still take now that could minimize your exposure to this very real risk.

To start, there are products on the market that could greatly decrease your chances of suffering a pipe break. A water monitor is an excellent investment that shuts down your water main and alerts you to a pipe break on your smart phone. You can be away from home and get the help you need to get this situation under control.  This is a must have for snowbirds! 

Heat tape insulation is a great way to get supplemental heat to pipes located in unheated areas such as detached garages.  There is thermostatically controlled heat tape and heater tape that is plugged into an outlet.  The heater tapes work by a built in thermostat.  In order to work, the tape must be wrapped between the pipe and the insulation.

Inexpensive foam insulation gives an extra layer of protection to pipes that receive moderate heat such as pipes in crawl spaces with minimal heating.  When putting on these insulation sleeves, it is important not to leave gaps that expose the pipe to cold air.  These sleeves are available in foam rubber or fiberglass, and plumbing supply stores carry pipe sleeves that feature extra-thick insulation.  The added protection is worth the added cost.

Simple things like raising the thermostat during exceptionally cold spells can be a big help when the temperatures plunge.  No matter what, never let your thermostat go below 55 degrees.  By keeping the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night, you may incur a higher heating cost, but it will pale in comparison to the repair from a costly pipe burst. 

Another simple preventative tip is to keep your cabinets open underneath sinks.  This increase in heat flow to plumbing can make all the difference in preventing pipes from freezing.  This is a trick that our neighbors well to the North of us have been doing for years. In the event that this plumbing is located on an outer wall, it would also behoove you to have the water running continuously in a trickle to prevent freezing.    Again, the cost incurred in this extra water is inconsequential compared to the clean up from a pipe break.

If you are leaving your home for the winter months, consider closing the main water to your home and emptying the water from your pipes by releasing the water from faucets and toilets.  This does not take much work to do and it will afford you peace of mind in your absence.  Always make sure that a neighbor, family member or friend look in on your property. Owning a home is a big responsibility and it is important to make sure that all is well within your home.

In closing, extreme weather is the pattern that we are in right now.  Whether it is from global warming or not, is secondary to taking precautions to protect our pipes from this extreme cold that they are being subjected to.  Predictions hold that February will have worse weather than January. If you have not taken preventative measures to protect your pipes from freezing, you still have time. Cleaning up from a pipe break can be extensive and your insurance company will want to know that you did everything you could to minimize your exposure to loss. When it comes right down to it:  Your insurance coverage could depend on it.