Freezing temperatures can lead to frozen pipes and water damage
It’s a cold morning and you head into the bathroom or kitchen, turn the faucet and nothing happens. Guess what, you have a frozen pipe. What do you do? And how do you avoid this potential messy situation. Here are some ideas to help keep the water flowing inside, even as the freeze sets in outside.
Actions
- If it’s not too late drain water supply lines to the sprinklers and pool.
- Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses before putting them in storage. Place a foam cover over faucet. Better yet, close the inside valves that supply water to the hose bibs. Then open the outside hose bibs to let any remaining water drain out and them open.
As Temperatures Drop
- Keep your house warm and allow warm air to circulate. Seal drafts and keep interior doors open. If you out on vacation don’t turn the heat off keep it set to at least 55 degrees.
- Open cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow heat to teach the pipes.
- Open indoor faucets, hot and cold, to allow a trickle of water. Flowing water is less likely to freeze.
When a Pipe Freezes
- The first thing to do, faced with the telltale trickle, is try to find where the pipe is frozen. Keep the faucet open, and open other faucets in the house to determine if the problem is widespread. If it is, turn off the main water supply and call a plumber.
- If it's a single pipe, and you can reach the frozen section, try using a hair dryer, heating pad or portable space heater – just never leave it running unattended. Keep the faucet open and work up and down the pipe, starting at the faucet and working backward to the frozen section. Apply heat until full water pressure returns, then reduce the flow to a trickle until the cold snap ends.
- An alternative method: Wrap the frozen section with towels soaked in hot water. Don't pour hot water directly on a frozen pipe, and don't use a propane torch or other open flame.
If these methods do not work or if you have a leak or burst pipe, don’t hesitate to turn off the main water supply and call a licensed plumber. Meet with one of at Quantum to know if you are covered for burst pipes and ensuring water damage.