Frozen water pipes can be an inconvenience at best, and a disaster at worst: A 1/8-inch crack in a pipe can release 250 gallons of water a day, causing flooding and structural damage in your home and creating the potential for mold growth.
The good news is that by taking a few simple precautions, you can prevent the expense and aggravation that frozen pipes cause.
Here are some tips:
Before the cold
- Insulate pipes in your crawl spaces and attic.
- Seal air leaks near pipes; look for leaks near dryer vents and other areas exposed to outside air, and use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out.
- Disconnect garden hoses, then shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets.
If you travel or have a seasonal home
- Set the thermostat in your house no lower than 55°F.
- Ask a friend or neighbor to check your home during cold snaps.
- Shut off and drain your water system (note: doing this may disable sprinkler systems, so take precautions).
If your pipes freeze
- Take a safety first approach – never operate appliances in standing water, and never use an open flame to thaw pipes!
- Call a plumber.
- You may be able to thaw a frozen pipe with a hair dryer; start by warming the pipe close to the faucet, working toward the coldest section of pipe.
If your water pipes have already burst
- Turn off water at the main shutoff valve in the house; teach everyone in your family where the water shutoff valve is and how to close it.
- Call a plumber.