Preventing and Dealing With Frozen Pipes

Water has the unique property of expanding as it freezes. This expansion puts pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes.

The pipes most likely to freeze are ones exposed to the cold — outdoor faucets, pool and sprinkler lines, or pipes along outside walls with little or no insulation.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

• Drain pool and sprinkler lines. Drain all water from swimming pool and sprinkler supply lines. Never use antifreeze in these lines — it is dangerous to people, pets, wildlife, and landscaping.
• Disconnect outdoor hoses. Remove, drain, and store hoses for the winter, then shut off the indoor valve to the outdoor faucet and open the faucet outside to let any remaining water drain.
• Check unheated areas. Look for water pipes in unheated spots like basements, attics, garages, or crawl spaces, since these are more likely to freeze.
• Insulate exposed pipes. Wrap pipes with foam sleeves, heat tape, or other insulation products. These are easy to find at building supply or hardware stores.

Cold Weather Precautions

• Keep garage doors closed. Do this if you have water pipes in the garage.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets. This lets warm air circulate around pipes under sinks.
• Let faucets drip in very cold weather. Allow a small trickle of cold water to run from faucets served by exposed pipes to help prevent freezing.
• Set your thermostat consistently. Keep it at the same temperature during the day and night.

Thawing Frozen Pipes

• Apply heat safely. Warm the frozen section of pipe with an electric heating pad, hair dryer, portable space heater, or towels soaked in hot water. Never use an open flame.
• Keep the faucet open. As the ice melts, running water will help speed up the thawing process.
• Continue until water flows normally. Apply heat until full water pressure is restored.
• Check other faucets. If one pipe is frozen, others in your home may be frozen too.