By Mike Rosa

When winter arrives, frigid temperature hits and freezes water. As it freezes, it expands. This now causes your pipes to burst and possibly, flood your house all throughout. It is very important to prepare for the cold months, and one of them is to include your water pipes. Prevention is always better than cure all these can be avoided as long as you do a little planning. Take into consideration that those water fixtures that freeze are the ones that are exposed to the unforgiving temperature these are your water pipes found in the exterior walls, attics, basements, garages, crawls, even kitchen cabinets. Your swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and outdoor hose bibs are also vulnerable to freezing.

If this is your first time, identify first where your main shut off valve is located. The main line is usually outside your house and you may contact your local water supplier to help you locate your main valve. It is usually located near your water meter, or near your homes foundation. Know how to use it because its your single important step to prevent freezing pipes that burst. You can do a dry-run and try shutting off the valve once you have found it. Drain your hoses of any remaining water and store them carefully. Close all the valves supplying water to these hose bibs while keeping the taps open to allow them to drain. Inspect your home and locate all your water pipes. Check your basements, interior and exterior walls, attics, crawls, kitchen cabinets, include your bathroom in the check. Even hot water supply can freeze especially so if there is no running water. Following your manufacturers instructions, drain water from your water sprinklers and/or swimming pool. Avoid using antifreeze unless instructed by the manufacturer as this is harmful for you, your pets, and the environment. Make sure to open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate along the pipes. Keep garage doors closed to protect your water pipes located in that area. Allow for a water pressure break by letting the water drip into the faucets. Running water helps prevent freezing. Maintain your thermostat at the same temperature for day and night. Make it no lower than 55F. Use a “heat cable”, “pipe sleeve”, or a UL-listed “heat tape”, or any other insulating materials on pipes that may be subjected to freezing. You may find these materials at your local hardware store, DIY shops, or at a building supplies retailer. Make sure that the pipes are wrapped carefully and as instructed and leave the joints taped.

But What if You Need to Thaw Frozen Pipes?

If your water valve is turned on but you only find a trickle coming out, suspect a frozen pipe. Locate the frozen area and keep the faucet open to allow running water once you treat the frozen pipe. You may treat the frozen area by doing the following: use an electric heating pad, or a hair dryer, or use a towel drenched in hot water on the frozen pipe. Never use blowtorch or candles, or any kerosene operated heaters, or anything with open flame. Make sure that you dont use electrical appliances on open water. Wait for the water pressure to be fully restored. If the area is impossible to reach, time to call a licensed plumber. Locate other areas that may have other frozen pipes. If one area is affected, it is most likely that some other pipes are affected as well. Turn off the water valve once your basement is flooding and call your emergency hotline or your local plumbing service.

For your future use, you may want to think about relocating your pipes to a warmer environment. If your house is being remodeled, a licensed professional can help you. You may also want to insulate or add your attics and basements (where your water pipes are located) to your centralized heating system.

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