How to Help Prevent Frozen Pipes

Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes

• Keep garage doors closed to protect any pipes located inside the garage.
• Leave cabinet doors open where plumbing is located to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
• For pipes prone to freezing (hot and cold), let faucets drip slightly.
• Ensure your home’s heating system is set to a minimum of 55°F.
• Disconnect hoses from outdoor faucets. Even frost-proof faucets or sillcocks require hoses to be removed during freezing temperatures to allow any leftover water to drain.
• If available, shut off interior valves supplying outdoor water hookups. Open exterior faucets to drain any remaining water. Keep these faucets open during the winter months while the water supply remains off.
• Identify areas in your home that have previously experienced freezing issues, and consult a plumber or contractor to address those vulnerable spots before cold weather sets in.

Steps to Take if a Pipe Freezes

• Quickly locate and shut off the main water supply valve before temperatures rise above freezing.
• Open all faucets, including outdoor ones, to drain the water from the pipes.
• Check pipes for any damage, especially in crawl spaces and attics, if it’s safe to do so.
• As the temperature increases, stay alert for any signs of leaks, such as dripping water or unusual sounds.
• If a leak is detected, do not turn the water supply back on. Open all faucets to drain the remaining water and call a licensed plumber for assistance.
• If no leaks are found, turn the water supply on gradually. Continue to monitor for leaks before fully restoring water flow. Be ready to shut off the water immediately if leaks appear.
• Keep towels, buckets, and fans nearby to manage and dry any water from leaks.
• Avoid using torches or heat guns to thaw frozen pipes as they pose a fire hazard.
• For damaged pipes, contact a professional plumber for repairs.
• If a frozen pipe bursts and causes significant damage, contact your insurance provider immediately.

Why Are Frozen Pipes a Problem?

When water freezes, it expands, creating pressure that can cause both metal and plastic pipes to rupture, leading to severe water damage in your home.

• Expanding ice places significant strain on pipes, regardless of the material.
• Frozen water can block the pipe, and when it begins to thaw, leaking or flooding can occur.

Which Pipes Are Most Vulnerable?

Pipes exposed to outdoor elements or located along the outer walls of your home are more susceptible to freezing. These include:

• Outdoor faucets and hose connections.
• Swimming pool supply lines.
• Lawn irrigation systems.
• Pipes in unheated areas such as basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, or under kitchen and bathroom cabinets.
• Pipes along exterior walls with insufficient insulation.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

Before Winter:

• Inspect your home for uninsulated or poorly insulated pipes, especially in basements, attics, crawl spaces, garages, and under plumbing cabinets. Insulate both hot and cold water pipes as needed.
• Use pipe sleeves, UL-listed heat tape, or heat cables to insulate or warm exposed pipes.

During Winter:

• Shut off indoor valves supplying outdoor water connections.
• Open outdoor faucets to drain any leftover water; keep them open throughout the winter while the supply remains off.
• Close garage doors to shield any pipes inside.
• Keep cabinet doors open to allow warm air to reach plumbing.
• Allow faucets connected to at-risk pipes to drip slightly.
• Maintain a minimum indoor temperature of 55°F.