Winter Prep – Don’t Let Those Pipes Freeze!
Frozen pipes are something everyone wants to avoid. By following a few simple steps, you can avoid this homeowner headache.
- Outdoor spigots – turn off the water valves and drain the water from your outdoor water lines, disconnect the hose.
- Pipes – insulate both cold and warm water pipes, especially in those parts of the house that are exposed to colder temperatures like basements, crawl spaces and pipes on exterior walls.
- Keep the house warm – heat the entire house allowing warm air to circulate around pipes at all times.
- In frigid temperatures – open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors under the sink to allow warm air inside, slow trickle water from faucets to prevent pipes from freezing.
Source: Mr. Rooter Plumbing “Home Plumbing Maintenance Checklist” 6.11.15
My Pipes Are Frozen! What Do I Do Now?
- Cut the source – turn off water at the shutoff valve for the pipes in that area.
- Open connection – leave the faucet on to relieve pressure as the pipes thaw.
- Slow thaw – use a hair dryer or heat gun to slowly thaw frozen pipes.
- No flames! – never use a torch or any other type of open flame to thaw pipes.
- Call the professionals – when pipes burst or crack, call a plumber to replace them.
Source: Mr. Rooter Plumbing “Home Plumbing Maintenance Checklist” 6.11.15