As a polar vortex approaches, bringing potentially record-breaking low temperatures across North America, protecting your plumbing system becomes critical. At Arrowhead, our decades of experience in plumbing valve manufacturing have shown us that preparation is key to preventing costly freeze damage.
Understanding the Freeze Risk
When temperatures plummet during a polar vortex, unprotected pipes can freeze and burst, causing catastrophic damage to homes and businesses. When water freezes, it expands by approximately 9%, creating immense pressure within pipes—up to 2,000 pounds per square inch. This pressure can rupture any pipe material, from copper to PVC.
Critical Areas Requiring Protection
External plumbing valves are particularly vulnerable to freezing temperatures. Traditional hydrants often fail because they retain water in the valve body, leading to freeze damage. Our ICEBREAKER 600 Series freeze-proof wall hydrant addresses this critical weakness in conventional hydrants.
The ICEBREAKER Advantage
The ICEBREAKER represents the culmination of advanced valve engineering and cold-weather expertise. Unlike standard hydrants, the ICEBREAKER features:
- An innovative venting system that activates when water begins to freeze in the pipe.
- Easily replaceable vent (PK-ICE) and vent cap when needed.
- Heavy-duty brass construction engineered to withstand extreme temperature fluctuations.
- Certified lead-free brass composition for safe drinking water.
- Five-year Arrowhead warranty protection.
Professional Installation Recommendations
While the ICEBREAKER provides superior freeze protection, proper installation is crucial. The hydrant should be installed with a slight downward pitch toward the exterior to ensure complete drainage. This seemingly small detail makes a significant difference in freeze prevention effectiveness.
Beyond the Hydrant: Comprehensive Protection
While installing an ICEBREAKER provides excellent protection for your exterior water access, additional steps are recommended during extreme cold events:
- Maintain consistent interior heating, even in unoccupied buildings
- Allow faucets to drip during the coldest periods
- Ensure proper insulation around all plumbing components
- Monitor your plumbing system for early signs of trouble
The Cost of Prevention vs. Repair
Our experience working with plumbing professionals nationwide has shown that investing in freeze-proof solutions like the ICEBREAKER is significantly more cost-effective than emergency repairs. A single frozen pipe incident can cost thousands in repairs and water damage restoration.
Professional Support
As manufacturers of precision plumbing components, we understand the critical nature of winter preparation. Our technical support team stands ready to assist plumbing professionals with specific installation questions about the ICEBREAKER or other freeze-protection solutions.
Don’t wait until temperatures drop to critical levels to protect your plumbing system from extreme cold. Contact your local plumbing supplier to learn more about the ICEBREAKER freeze-proof wall hydrant and other Arrowhead winter protection solutions. When it comes to protecting your plumbing system from extreme cold, trust the engineering expertise that only comes from decades of American manufacturing excellence.
For technical specifications and installation guides, visit www.arrowheadbrass.com or contact our tech support team.
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