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Before the onset of cold weather, prevent freezing
of these water supply lines and pipes by following these recommendations:
- Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines
following manufacturer's or installer's directions. Do not put antifreeze in
these lines unless directed. Antifreeze is environmentally harmful, and is
dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping.
- Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves
supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to
drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe
can expand without causing the pipe to break.
- Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are
located and are in unheated areas. Look in the basement, crawl space, attic,
garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water
pipes in these areas should be insulated. A hot water supply line can freeze
just as a cold water supply line can freeze if the water is not running
through the pipe and the water temperature in the pipe is cold.
- Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like
a "pipe sleeve" or installing UL-listed "heat tape," "heat cable," or
similar materials on exposed water pipes. Many products are available at
your local building supplies retailer. Pipes should be carefully wrapped,
with ends butted tightly and joints wrapped with tape. Follow manufacturer's
recommendations for installing and using these products. Newspaper can
provide some degree of insulation and protection to exposed pipes - even ¼"
of newspaper can provide significant protection in areas that usually do not
have frequent or prolonged temperatures below freezing.
During Cold Weather, Take Preventive Action
- Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate
around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household
chemicals up out of the reach of children.
- When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the
faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a
trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing because the temperature of the
water running through it is above freezing.
- Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and
at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures,
you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly
repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
- If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your
home, set to a temperature no lower than 55ºF.
To Thaw Frozen Pipes
- If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen
pipe. Locate the suspected frozen area of the water pipe. Likely places
include pipes running against exterior walls or where your water service
enters your home through the foundation.
- Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area
begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running
water through the pipe will help melt more ice in the pipe.
- Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped
around the pipe, and electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away
from flammable materials), or wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot
water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove,
or other open flame device. A blowtorch can make water in a frozen pipe boil
and cause the pipe to explode. All open flames in homes present a serious
fire danger, as well as a severe risk of exposure to lethal carbon monoxide.
- Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to
locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you can
not thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
- Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional
frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.
Future Protection
- Consider relocating exposed pipes to provide increased protection from
freezing. Pipes can be relocated by a professional if the home is remodeled.
- Add insulation added to attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Insulation
will maintain higher temperatures in these areas.
For more information, please contact a licensed plumber or building
professional. |
