Solutions for Frozen Pipes

The easiest way to make sure your pipes will not freeze is to insulate them.

• Insulate any pipes that are 6 inches away from outside walls or that run through parts of the home that are not insulated, like a garage or crawlspace.
• Place foam pipe insulation around the pipe snugly.
• Tape joints for maximum insulation protection.

During extreme cold temperatures, turn faucets on slightly at the fixtures leading up to these pipes. A trickle of moving water will prevent the pipes from freezing.

If a pipe does freeze, slow thawing works best to prevent the pipe from bursting

• Open the taps on the frozen water line.
• Turn up the heat or place a space heater nearby to warm the area.
• If you have access to the pipes, you can blow warm air on them with a hair dryer.
• Start warming the pipe section closest to the faucet, so that when water starts to flow, it can run out of the tap instead of building pressure behind the clog.
• DO NOT use a blowtorch to thaw frozen pipes! You may damage plumbing connections or ignite the surrounding areas, causing bigger problems.

A burst pipe is an emergency. Knowing how to react can prevent serious damage.

• Shut off the water supply to your whole home and call a plumber or consider plumbing services from Ace Hardware Home Services.
• Locate the main water valve in your home, where the water enters from its source. The water meter is usually located nearby.
• Knowing where your water shut-off valve is located allows you to quickly shut it off in an emergency, which can save you thousands.

Key Takeaways

1. Insulate pipes near exterior walls or pipes that run through uninsulated spaces
2. Slowly thaw frozen pipes to prevent them from bursting
3. Know where your home’s water shut-off valve is located so you can quickly disconnect the water if a pipe bursts.