Preventing Frozen Pipes during the Cold Winter

18. January, 2016

During the winter months, when low temperatures occur, it is important to prepare for freezing of pipes and the possibility of them bursting.  When a pipe bursts damage can happen quickly and can worsen until problem is resolved.  The following tips can help you protect your home.

Prevent your pipes from freezing:

• Insulate pipes, especially those that are close to outside walls or attics.
• Disconnect all gardening hoses, install covers on all outside faucets and turn off water to hose and sprinklers.
• Make sure the furnace is set no lower than 55 degrees when you leave your house.
• Open cabinet doors below sinks to allow heat to circulate.
• Identify the locations of the main water valves so that you can stop the flow of water if needed.
• Keep garage doors closed if you have a water supply line in the garage.
• Allow a faucet to drip slightly in order to minimize freezing. The water should be lukewarm.

If a Pipe Freezes:

• Open all faucets,
• If the pipe is frozen, you can heat water on a stove, then soak rags in the water and wrap them around the frozen pipes.
• Try thawing the pipe by starting with the one closest to the faucet.  Turn on faucet so water can drip out.

If a Pipe Bursts:

• Shut off water in the main valve.
• Close valve on top of water heater if the break is a hot water pipe
• Call a plumber
• If pipe bursts call you insurance company to file a claim

If the water damage from a burst pipe causes you to be out of your home for any length of time call THD at 800-817-3220 to help you setup hotel of temporary housing accommodations while the repairs are made.