Tips To Keep Your Water Pipes From Freezing This Winter

In our area, freezing pipes can be a real problem. Learning how to prevent water pipes in the home from freezing and hot to thaw them if they do freeze can be a real help. The following information has been provided by the American Red Cross.

Why Pipe Freezing Is a Problem

Water expands as it freezes. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is
containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. No matter the "strength" of a container,
expanding water can cause pipes to break. Pipes that freeze most frequently are those that
are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water
sprinkler lines and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl
spaces, attics, garages or kitchen cabinets. Also, pipes that run against exterior walls that
have little or no insulation are also subject to freezing. Pipe freezing is a particular problem
in warmer climates like North Baldwin County where pipes often run through un-insulated or
under-insulated attics or crawl spaces.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

Before the onset of cold weather, prevent freezing of these water supply lines and pipes by
following these recommendations:

• Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following
  manufacturer's or installer's directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines unless
  directed. Antifreeze is environmentally harmful, and is dangerous to humans, pets,
  wildlife and landscaping.
• Remove, drain and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor
  hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve
  open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without cause the pipe to break.
• Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are located and are in
  unheated areas. Look in the basement, crawl space, attic, garage and under kitchen and
  bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated. A
  hot water supply line can freeze just as a cold water supply line can freeze if the water is
  not running through the pipe and the water temperature in the pipe is cold.
• Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like a "pipe sleeve"
  or installing UL-listed "heat tape," "heat cable" or similar materials on exposed water
  pipes. Many products are available at your local building supplies retailer. Pipes
  should be carefully wrapped, with ends butted tightly and joints wrapped with tape.
  Follow manufacturer's recommendations for installing and using these products.
  Newspaper can provide some degree of insulation and protection to exposed pipes—
  even ¼" of newspaper can provide significant protection in areas that usually do not
  have frequent or prolonged temperatures below freezing.

During Cold Weather, Take Preventive Action

• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the
  plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of
  the reach of children.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night.
  By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a
  higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze
  and burst.
• If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a
  temperature no lower than 55ºF.

To Thaw Frozen Pipes

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Locate the
suspected frozen area of the water pipe. Likely places include pipes running against exterior
walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.

• Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to
  melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe
  will help melt more ice in the pipe.
• Apply heat to the section of pipe by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water.
  Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove or other open
  flame device. A blowtorch can make water in a frozen pipe boil and cause the pipe to
  explode. All open flames in homes present a serious fire danger, as well as a severe
  risk of exposure to lethal carbon monoxide.
• Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area,
  if the frozen area is not accessible or if you can not thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
• Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If
  one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.

Future Protection

• Consider relocating exposed pipes to provide increased protection from freezing.
  Pipes can be relocated by a professional if the home is remodeled.
• Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher
  temperatures in these areas.

For more information on how to prepare your pipes for winter, please contact a licensed plumber or building professional.

Content derived from: Federal Emergency Management Agency, Mississippi State University
Extension Service, MH2 Technologies, Ltd., Myplumber.com, State Farm Insurance
Company and Vancouver, BC, Waterworks Department