Frozen Pipes - What to Do

Just about everywhere in the country has been experiencing a colder than normal winter this year. Hopefully the worst is behind us, but you never know, and when there is extreme cold, there is usually problems with frozen or freezing water pipes.

Frozen pipes can break, causing major damage and expense. If water from a faucet isn’t working, first check all faucets to isolate where the frozen pipe may be. If none of the faucets work, the problem may be with your meter rather than a frozen pipe. The frozen section of a pipe may be frosted or have ice on it; a bulging pipe is close to breaking and should be taken care of immediately.

Treating Frozen Pipes

There are some basic steps to take to treat frozen pipes including:

• Turn off the main water valve to help relieve pressure when the pipe thaws
• Open faucets so steam can escape during thawing
• Use a hairdryer on the frozen area of pipe until full water pressure is restored
• Be patient!

Preventing Frozen Pipes

Prevention before the cold weather hits is key, but doing what you can before freezing, will help. Here are key tips to prevent frozen pipes:

• Insulate outer walls and pipes
• Eliminate drafts – close windows, close storm windows, repair broken or cracked windows
• Open cabinet doors (under the sink) to allow warmth from room to reach pipes
• Check that your furnace/boiler are working properly
• Check that outside water is turned off

If frozen pipes can’t be accessed, it’s time to bring in a professional. And, if you continue to have frozen pipes, you may need to take additional measures to insure that pipes are kept warm.

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