Preventing Frozen Water Pipes

Simple Steps to Help Prevent Frozen Water Pipes

Plumbing on an outside wall is more likely to freeze so following these steps can help prevent them from freezing. Also pipes that are exposed to unheated parts of the home like crawl spaces and attics.

Keep heat on and set to at least 68 degrees
Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get under the sinks. (Note: move any dangerous chemicals and cleaning agents to a safe place to keep the young ones out of danger)
Leave the water run in the faucet at a trickle. (running water will not freeze as easily)
A more permanent solution is to have the walls with the pipes insulated by a professional to stop any cold air drafts in the wall.

Outside Spigots

Outside spigots should be frost free type and the hose must be disconnected prior to freezing temperatures. If you do not or cannot have a frost free spigot installed then these steps should be followed.

Close interior shut-off valve leading to the spigot
Open and drain the spigot
Install an insulated faucet cover

Unheated Spaces

Insulating foam for pipes is an inexpensive way to help prevent pipes from freezing and is relatively easy to install.
A more permanent solution for pipes in unheated spaces is to have a professional install heat tape on the piping.

If your water lines did freeze, you can try to use a hair dryer to thaw the pipes. DO NOT USE A TORCH OR ANY OPEN FLAME!

If the you cannot get the pipes to thaw safely call us right away to thaw them for you before it becomes an emergency.

If your pipes have burst, you are now dealing with a plumbing emergency.