How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

 

Frozen pipes are quite common in the midwest. Not only are frozen pipes inconvenient, they can cause some serious damage to your home. But with the right knowledge and preventive steps, frozen pipes will be the least of your worries this winter season. Before getting started, here is a little tip: If your furnace is on the fritz, not only is your house going to get cold, your pipes are going to get colder! It is easy to forget that your home’s heating system does so much more than just keep you warm-it also keeps your pipes from freezing!

Insulation is a Great Place to Start

Pipes in Unheated Areas: Properly insulate pipes in unheated areas like attics, crawl spaces, and garages. Pipe sleeves, foam insulation, or even old towels can provide a significant barrier against the cold.

Exposed Pipes: If you have exposed pipes on exterior walls, consider adding insulation to those walls as well.

Winterize Outdoor Faucets: Disconnect garden hoses and shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets. Turn on the faucet to drain any remaining water and then cover the spigot with an insulated cover.

Keep Warm Air Circulating: Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes.

What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze

In the event that your pipes do freeze, do the following:

Check Faucets: Start by checking faucets. If water drips slowly or not at all, the pipe leading to that faucet is likely frozen.
Listen for Running Water: If you hear running water sounds but no water comes out, a pipe may be partially frozen.

Warm Towels: Wrap the frozen area with warm, moist towels.
Heat Lamps: Use a hair dryer or heat lamp to gently warm the affected area.
Space Heaters: Place a space heater near the frozen pipe, but never leave it unattended.
Use a Heat Gun (with Caution):

Heat guns can be effective but require extreme caution. Never point a heat gun directly at the pipe. Keep the gun moving constantly to prevent overheating and potential damage. Use a heat shield between the gun and the pipe.

If the frozen section is near a faucet, turn on the faucet slightly. As the ice thaws, a trickle of water may help melt the blockage from the inside.

Call a Plumber. If your attempts to thaw the pipes are unsuccessful, or if you suspect significant damage, call a qualified plumber from Adams. We have the expertise and tools to safely and efficiently address the problem.

Preventing Further Damage

Shut Off the Water Supply: If a pipe bursts, immediately shut off the water supply to prevent further flooding.
Locate the Water Shutoff Valve: As mentioned earlier, know the location of your main water shutoff valve for quick access in an emergency.
Drain the Pipes: If you plan to be away from home for an extended period during cold weather, consider draining the pipes completely.

Important Safety Tips

Never use a torch or open flame to thaw frozen pipes. This is extremely dangerous and can cause a fire.
Be cautious when using electrical appliances near water. Ensure they are properly grounded and unplugged when not in use.
If you smell gas, evacuate the premises immediately and contact your gas company.

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