How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes can be the source of costly damage and necessitate extensive repairs to many homes in our area each winter. There are several things that can be done to help prevent freezing and the possibility of major damage.

• Remember to remove garden hoses and attachments from outside faucets.
• Fill gaps and cracks around the outside of your home with fiberglass insulation, expanding foam, mortar, caulk or a combination of the above to minimize cold air infiltration to the inside of the home. (This will also help keep out insects and rodents looking for a warm place to spend the winter.)
• Insulate water pipes exposed to cold temperatures inside your home with foam insulation. This is especially important in older homes with unheated crawl spaces or cellars.

The first clue of a frozen pipe is reduced water flow to a certain area of your home. This could be a faucet that will not deliver water or possibly a dishwasher or icemaker that stops working. As water in the pipe freezes, it expands to form an icy “plug” inside the pipe. This plug can easily expand enough to burst a copper pipe. It is usually when this plug starts to thaw that the water begins to flow freely from the burst pipe.

If you should notice evidence of a frozen pipe or if you discover a leak, turn off the water at the meter. There is a valve on either side of your water meter with a lever handle or knob that can be turned off to stop the flow of water to the house. Leave the faucets open in all the sinks and tubs to allow excess water to drain out.

Never try to thaw frozen pipes with a torch or open flame. It is less expensive to repair some water damage than to burn the house down. Often times, a hair dryer can be used to thaw a frozen pipe. Always contact a licensed plumber to make repairs to damaged water pipes in your home.