Winter is Here: Is Your Plumbing Ready? A Guide to Preventing Frozen Pipes
Jack Frost is nipping at our noses, and while a snowy landscapes can be beautiful, winter brings a less welcome guest: frozen pipes. A burst pipe can cause major headaches, from costly repairs to significant water damage. But fear not! With a little preparation, you can keep your plumbing flowing smoothly all winter long.
Why Pipes Freeze
Water expands when it freezes. This expansion can cause significant pressure inside your pipes, leading them to crack or even burst. Pipes located in unheated areas like exterior walls, crawl spaces, attics, and garages are particularly vulnerable.
Prevention is Key: Inside Your Home
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Keep the Heat On: Even if you’re going away for a few days, don’t turn your thermostat completely off. Set it to at least 55°F (13°C) to maintain a minimum temperature and prevent pipes from freezing.
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Open Cabinet Doors: During periods of extreme cold, open cabinet doors under sinks and in kitchens to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
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Let the Faucet Drip: A slow drip of cold water can keep water moving through the pipes, preventing them from freezing. This is especially important for pipes located in exterior walls.
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Water Shut-Off Valve: Know where your water shut-off valve is located. In the event a pipe does unfortunately burst, you will want to shut off the water supply to prevent further damage.
Prevention is Key: Outside Your Home
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Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses: Before the first freeze, disconnect and drain all garden hoses. Store them indoors to prevent damage.
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Close Inside Valves Supplying Outdoor Faucets: Locate the inside shut-off valves for your outdoor faucets and turn them off. Then, open the outside faucets to drain any remaining water.
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Insulate Outdoor Faucets: Use faucet covers or wrap them with insulation to protect them from freezing temperatures.
What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze
If you turn on your faucet and only a trickle comes out, you may have a frozen pipe. Here’s what to do:
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Turn Off the Water: Immediately turn off the main water supply to your home to prevent further damage if a pipe bursts.
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Apply Heat: Use a hairdryer, heat lamp, or warm towels to gradually thaw the frozen section of pipe. Never use an open flame or torch, as this can damage the pipe or cause a fire.
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Call a Plumber: If you can’t locate the frozen pipe or are unable to thaw it yourself, call a licensed plumber for assistance.
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Call Your Insurance Agent: If there is significant damage, or you’re unsure, call your insurance agent and discuss filing a claim!
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
Taking these preventative measures can save you from the costly and stressful experience of dealing with frozen pipes. A little preparation now can ensure a warm and worry-free winter for you and your home. So, get ahead of the artic blast and protect your plumbing!
