Frozen Pipes

How To Prevent Frozen Pipes

Water has the unique property of expanding as it freezes, causing pressure on whatever material it is contained in such as metal or plastic piping.  This can cause pipes in your home to break under the pressure.

Pipes that freeze most frequently are:

  • Pipes that are exposed to the cold weather such as swimming pool supply lines, outside faucets, and water sprinkler lines.

  • Water supply lines in an unheated basement, attic, crawlspace, kitchen cabinets, or garages.

  • Uninsulated pipes on exterior walls.

Steps To Protect Your Water Lines From Damage

Before cold weather moves into the area, follow these steps:

  • Drain water from your swimming pool and sprinkler system water lines per the manufacturers recommendation.  

  • Remove, drain, and store any outdoor hoses.  Close any valves that supply water to the outdoor hose bibs.  Drain any water that is left in the line of the hose bib and leave the valve open so that any remaining water can expand without causing the pipe to break.

  • Insulate any pipes that are in unheated areas like the attic, basement, garage, or in/under kitchen cabinets. Specific products are made for insulating pipes, such as a "pipe sleeve", you can also use "heat tape" or similar materials on exposed water pipes.  Newspaper is a cheaper option to insulate exposed pipes, just a 1/4 of newspaper can provide significant protection against frequent or prolonged freezing temperatures.  

Consider relocating any water lines to areas that are heated if that is an option. 

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes:

  • Open kitchen cabinets to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing.  Make sure all chemicals and cleaning supplies are removed and out of the reach of children.  

  • When it is very cold, let the cold water tap drip from the faucet.  Leaving the water running will prevent freezing.

  • Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature day and night, you may incur a small increase in your utility bill but it will prevent a costly plumbing bill.

  • Keep garage doors closed if the supply lines are located in the garage.

  • If you leave your home for an extended period of time leave your heat on, set it to a temperature no lower than 55.

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes:

  • In the winter, when you turn on a faucet and there is only a trickle, suspect a frozen pipe.  Leave the faucet open so when you start to thaw the pipe, the running water will help to melt the ice quicker.

  • Use heat to the section of the pipe that is frozen by using a hair dryer, a heating pad, or wrap pipes with towel soaked in hot water.  MAKE SURE ALL FLAMMABLE MATERIAL IS REMOVED FROM THE AREA.  DO NOT USE AN OPEN FLAME TO THAW PIPES.

  • Call a licensed plumber if you are unable to locate the frozen section or cannot thaw the area safely.