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With temperatures dropping outside, our pipes are at an increased risk of freezing—especially in areas where freezing temperatures are unusual. Identifying and troubleshooting high-risk spots now can save you the hassle of a frozen pipe and—worse—the expense of fixing a burst one.
Locate vulnerable areas
The first thing to do to keep your pipes from freezing is to locate any possible exposed water pipes. This includes pipes that are outdoors, like the one for your garden hose, pipes that are in uninsulated areas like crawl spaces, and pipes that are on exterior walls that aren’t well insulated. Other problem areas are attics, basements, and outbuildings. If you identify a pipe that is vulnerable to the cold, here are some simple steps you can take to prevent freezing.
Cover outdoor taps
For outdoor taps, you can add insulation, either with a faucet cover or a piece of foam pipe insulation and some tape or a zip tie. In a pinch, a piece of pool noodle will do the trick. Just cut off a 3- to 4-inch section and slide it over the tap. Another measure of prevention for outdoor spigots is to shut off the water from inside the house and then run the outdoor tap dry. Draining the pipe that leads to outdoor fixtures will help prevent water from freezing and expanding inside the pipes.
Uninsulated areas
For plumbing in crawl spaces and other uninsulated places, adding some pipe insulation can help. For anyplace you can reach, adding foam to your water lines will help keep them running well. You might also consider insulating crawl spaces, basements, and attics that have pipes going through them, especially if you live in an area where freezing temperatures are common.
Indoor pipes
If a cold-snap is in the forecast and you have pipes on an exterior wall, there are more precautions you can take. First, open cabinets where there are water lines for sinks and other appliances to keep the area near the water line at the same temperature as the rest of the house. Next, turn your taps on to a trickle to keep the water moving through them. This can help prevent ice blockages from forming. You can also turn the heat up a few degrees to keep the outer walls of your house warmer and help prevent freezing.
What to do if your pipes freeze anyway
If, in spite of your efforts (or lack thereof), you discover you have a frozen pipe, you should address it as soon as possible. Since water expands when it freezes, frozen pipes can burst, causing water damage and plumbing issues. To thaw a frozen pipe, first locate the coldest areas the pipe travels through, and then warm up the pipe to melt the blockage. To do so, you can wrap a heating pad around the pipe and turn it up to its highest setting; a hair dryer or heat gun can also be used to circulate warm air around the frozen section. For cold areas under cabinets or in crawl spaces, use a space heater to warm up the space.
Remember to use caution when applying heat so that you don’t cause any damage.
When to call a pro
Once your pipes are warmed up and the water is flowing once again, it’s important to check for leaks. Inspect walls, floors, and other places that pipes run for signs of moisture. If you see any leakage or if your water doesn’t return to normal once the pipes are thawed, it’s time to shut off the water to your home and call a professional. A burst pipe can cause a lot of damage, so keeping the flooding to a minimum is key.
