Winter can be tough on your home’s plumbing system. When temperatures drop below freezing, the water inside your pipes can freeze, expand, and potentially cause pipes to burst – leading to thousands of dollars in damage and repairs. But here’s the good news: with the right knowledge and preparation, you can protect your home from frozen pipe disasters.
In this guide, EJ Water’s Zach walks you through everything you need to know about frozen pipes, from prevention strategies to emergency first aid if the worst happens.
Why Frozen Pipes Are Such a Big Problem
When water freezes, it expands. This expansion creates tremendous pressure inside your pipes – enough to crack even the strongest metal or plastic plumbing. But the real damage often doesn’t show up until the ice thaws and water starts gushing through the cracks.
A single burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water per hour, causing extensive damage to walls, floors, ceilings, and your belongings.
The pipes most vulnerable to freezing are those in unheated areas like basements, attics, garages, and crawl spaces, as well as pipes running along exterior walls.
Prevention: Your First Line of Defense
The best way to deal with frozen pipes is to prevent them from freezing in the first place. Here are Zach’s essential prevention strategies:
Insulate Vulnerable Pipes
Add foam pipe insulation to any pipes in unheated areas of your home. This inexpensive material can make a significant difference in keeping pipes above freezing temperatures.
Keep Cabinet Doors Open
During cold snaps, open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes, especially if those sinks are on exterior walls.
Let Faucets Drip
Allowing faucets to drip slightly during extreme cold keeps water moving through the pipes. Moving water is much less likely to freeze than standing water.
Maintain Consistent Heat
Keep your thermostat set to the same temperature day and night, a little higher than usual. The money you save on heating bills isn’t worth the risk of frozen pipes.
Seal Cracks and Openings
Check for air leaks around pipes where they enter your home and seal them with caulk or foam insulation. Even small drafts can cause pipes to freeze.
Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
Drain and disconnect garden hoses before winter arrives, and if you have shut-off valves for outdoor faucets, turn them off and drain the lines.
Frozen Pipe First Aid: What to Do If It Happens
Despite your best prevention efforts, pipes can still freeze during extreme weather. Here’s what to do if you suspect a frozen pipe:
Recognize the Warning Signs
- No water or only a trickle when you turn on a faucet
- Frost visible on exposed pipes
- Parts of the pipe being colder than others
- Bulging or cracked pipes
Act Quickly But Safely
Time is critical when dealing with frozen pipes. The sooner you can safely thaw them, the less likely they are to burst.
Open the Faucet
Turn on the faucet connected to the frozen pipe. As you thaw the pipe, running water will help melt the ice, and the open faucet allows water and steam to escape, reducing pressure.
Apply Heat Carefully
Use safe heating methods like a hair dryer, heat lamp, or hot towels to warm the pipe. Start from the faucet end and work toward the frozen section. Never use open flames, propane torches, or other high-heat sources that could damage the pipe or create a fire hazard.
Check for Leaks
As the pipe thaws, watch carefully for any leaks or cracks. If you spot any, turn off your main water supply immediately.
When to Call a Professional
If you can’t locate the frozen section, if the frozen pipe is inside a wall or ceiling, or if you’re unable to thaw it yourself, call a licensed plumber immediately. Also call a professional if you discover any cracks or leaks in the pipe.
The Bottom Line
Protecting your home from frozen pipes requires both prevention and preparation. Take the time now to winterize your plumbing, and you’ll avoid the stress, expense, and damage of burst pipes later. And if you do encounter frozen pipes, remember: stay calm, act quickly, and don’t hesitate to call in the professionals if needed.
For questions or concerns, please contact us at 217-925-5566 or ejwater@ejcoop.com.
