Guarding Against and Thawing Frozen Pipes

Posted: December 15, 2023 10:14 am

One of the most common complications during weather of this nature happens when pipes freeze or crack. While you can never completely guard your home against the perils of dangerously cold weather, there are steps that you can take to prevent your pipes from freezing when the mercury plummets.

Open Cabinet Doors

It may sound simple but opening your cabinet doors in the bathrooms and kitchen can encourage warm air circulation surrounding the plumbing. However, it is important to remove harmful products in the lower cabinets if you have pets or young children in the home.

Turn Faucets to a Slow Drip

It is also a good idea to turn the faucets on slightly and allow a slow drip of water. This is particularly important when your pipes are not well insulated. Even the smallest trickle of water continually running through the pipes will guard against freezing.

Space Out Showers

An easy step to take if you have multiple people living in the house is to space out showers. Allow at least 10 minutes in between showers so that hot water is maintained running through the pipes. You can also consider turning up the temperature in your home’s hot water heater when the temperature begins its annual downward trajectory. Be sure not to set the temperature above 125 degrees or you will risk burns.

Keep Home Thermostat Steady

It is not unusual for families to turn down the thermostat in the overnight hours. However, the American Red Cross recommends keeping the temperature consistent during the day and nighttime. Pipes are more likely to freeze when you turn the temperature down. Along this same line of thinking, do not program the thermostat too low if you are going to be away from home for an extended period of time.

Install Pipe Sleeves

You can take these preventative actions one step further by installing products designed to insulate exposed water pipes. Known as “pipe sleeves” or “heat tape,” these targeted products provide a layer of insulation to these vulnerable pipes. If you know that your pipes are likely not properly protected and cold weather is on the way, one quick fix is to wrap newspaper around the pipes to keep them warmer.

It is especially important to protect pipes that are located in unheated areas of the home. This includes in the garage and under cabinets. Be sure to insulate both cold and hot water pipes. A more permanent fix is to relocate exposed pipes to areas that offer better protection from the elements.

Eliminate Drafts

While you are looking for exposed pipes, also pay attention to areas of the home where heat does not flow as naturally. Eliminating drafts will go a long way in protecting pipes. In addition to the garage, drafts need to be addressed in basements and attics.

Thawing Frozen Pipes

If your pipes freeze despite your best efforts to protect them against the elements, you will want to know how to safely and quickly thaw them. You will know your pipes are frozen if you turn on a faucet and a mere trickle of leftover water comes out. Running water through the pipe will help to support ice melting. You can also apply heat to the pipe through the use of an electric heating pad or a hair dryer. Other good ways to melt the ice in the pipes is to wrap them in towels that have been soaked in hot water. Note that it is dangerous to use kerosene, a charcoal stove, or a blowtorch to try to thaw frozen pipes.

You will need to apply the heat to the frozen pipes until you have achieved full water pressure. Do not hesitate to call in the professionals if you cannot locate the part of the pipe that is frozen or if this area is not accessible.

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