The arrival of colder weather brings the promise of frozen pipes for homes and businesses, especially those unoccupied for extended periods of time. Insurance companies estimate approximately 250,000 homes have their pipes freeze and burst each year. It does not matter if the piping is made from copper or plastic (PVC), an eighth of an inch crack will allow 250 gallons of water a day to come into the home and wreck flooring, furniture, and other personal property.
How can you prevent your pipes from freezing, and what do you do when it occurs? The following tips provide help to answer your questions. Look in the basement, attic, crawl space, garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets for water pipes not insulated. Hot and cold water pipes require proper insulation, as a hot water line can still freeze if the water is not running through them and the water temperature is cold.
Use a pipe sleeve, heat tape, or other similar material on exposed water pipes. They should be carefully wrapped, with ends butted tightly, and joints wrapped with tape. Seal any area around the pipes, which may allow cold air inside. When severe cold weather arrives, even the smallest amount can cause a pipe to freeze.
Take preventive action by keeping garage doors closed, and opening cabinet doors to allow the warm air to circulate. Keep the thermostat no lower than 55°F and at the same temperature during the day and night. While you are away, if possible, ask a neighbor to check your home periodically to ensure it is warm enough and no pipes have burst.
If you turn on your faucet, and only a trickle of water comes out, you may have a frozen pipe. Keep the faucet open while you attempt to look for the affected area. Apply heat to the section of pipe by using a hair dryer, portable space heater, or by wrapping towels soaked with hot water. Never use electrical appliance around standing water. Never use a propane, charcoal, kerosene heater, or blowtorch to heat the pipe. The fast boiling water could cause the pipe to explode. In addition, an open flame brings a serious fire hazard as well as carbon monoxide exposure.
Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If the area is inaccessible, do not hesitate to contact a licensed plumber. Think about adding insulation or moving the pipes if the problem continues year out.