As most of the United States is bracing itself for winter snowstorms to hit in the coming days, many homeowners are preparing their homes.
In addition to preparing for potential power outages, buying adequate food supplies, and protecting against serious damage, people are also being urged to fill their bathtub with water ahead of a storm. Here’s why it’s so important.
Why you should fill your bathtub with water before a storm
One of the things we often neglect is our pipes. According to experts, once temperatures rapidly drop below 20 degrees F, you may have frozen pipes, which can cut your water supply completely.
This is why it’s advisable to fill up the bathtub with water so your household can have a supply of water to bathe, clean, and flush toilets with. Though bath water isn’t always recommended for drinking, there are ways to purify it. The easiest way is to boil it for at least one minute to kill germs or use a water filtering jug.
In an emergency, however, quickly filling the bathtub offers a critical volume of water before the storm hits and affects your pipes.
How to fix a frozen pipe
In such extreme weather, it’s always best to keep an eye on your pipes before any snowstorm hits. So how would you know if you have a frozen pipe and how would you fix it?
“The first step is to locate the frozen section of the pipe,” advises Lance Sinclair, President of Mister Sparky, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, and Benjamin Franklin Plumbing.
“It’s most likely a spot that runs through an uninsulated or unheated part of the house, so it might be tricky to access. Check the pipes by touch, feeling for very cold spots that indicate ice inside. Once you find the frozen area, warm it with a hair dryer, heat lamp, space heater, or a hot towel. Avoid torches or open flames.
“Leave the faucet open to encourage water flow while you melt the freeze. Check the other taps in your bathrooms, kitchen, and laundry room to make sure they’re working and that they don’t have another pipe frozen somewhere. Your safest bet is to call a plumber to locate and thaw the pipe."
Another tip is to inspect around your home to check for leaks, burst pipes, and any other water damage. Be sure to repair these if you spot them before a snowstorm.
Portable power stations come in very useful for emergencies. And these usually have more than enough power to run your refrigerator, several appliances, or to charge your devices.
So when you’re busy storm-proofing your home, don’t forget to fill your bathtub with water — before it’s too late.
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