A frozen pipe can split and release hundreds of gallons of water once it thaws. The good news is that a few simple steps before the first hard freeze prevent most of the frozen pipe calls we see each winter.
Insulate exposed pipes
Pipes in crawl spaces, garages, attics and along exterior walls are the most likely to freeze. Foam pipe sleeves from any hardware store are inexpensive and easy to install.
Shut off outdoor faucets
Disconnect garden hoses and close the shutoff valve for each outdoor faucet if you have one. Then open the outside faucet to drain the water left in the line.
Keep the heat on
Keep your thermostat at 55 degrees or higher, even when you travel. On the coldest nights, open the cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls so warm air can reach the pipes.
Let a faucet drip
During a deep cold snap, a slow drip from a faucet on an exterior wall keeps water moving and relieves pressure in the line.
Know where your main shutoff is
If a pipe does burst, shutting off the water fast limits the damage. Find your main shutoff valve now and make sure everyone in your home knows where it is.
If a pipe freezes
- Open the faucet so melting water has somewhere to go.
- Warm the pipe gently with a hair dryer or a space heater kept at a safe distance.
- Never use an open flame.
- Call us right away if you cannot find the frozen section or if the pipe has already split.
