Frozen Pipes 101

A costly risk some homeowners are currently facing is freezing water pipes.  We’ve gathered some tips and advice for what you can do to avoid frozen pipes and what to do if your pipes have already froze up.

How To Avoid Frozen Pipes

• Wrap your pipes in your basement or crawl spaces with heat tape or insulated sleeves
• If your water heater is located in a cold area, especially tucked away in your basement, you should consider an insulated blanket to put over it.
• Make sure all of your heating vents are open and furniture is not blocking the heat flow
• Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through your faucets—especially the faucets connected to pipes that run through unheated or unprotected spaces
• Keep your cabinet doors and pantry door open to allow warmer air to circulate around pipes in your kitchen and bathroom.
• Make sure to keep your thermostat set at the same temperature during the day and night.  If you’re leaving town (to hopefully go to a warmer location!) set your thermostat to at least 55 degrees.

What To Do If Your Pipes Freeze

• Locate the general area where the pipe has frozen. Typically this will be anywhere against your exterior wall or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
• Make sure you keep your faucets open. Once the pipe begins to thaw, water will begin to flow.  Running water through a pipe will help melt the ice.
• If you’re able to, try to apply heat to the section of the pipe using a heating pad, hair dryer, or a portable space heater.

IMPORTANT TIP:  Every homeowner and those who live in the home should know where the main shutoff valve is located.  This is especially critical during the winter months when frozen pipes occur.  If your pipes do burst, it’s important to turn off your main water supply as soon as possible!

Give us a call today or schedule an appointment online if you need any type of plumbing service!  We’re here to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 Days A Week.