12/14/2025
With cold temperatures on the way... here are some tips for dealing with frozen pipes.
PROBLEM AREAS
· Pipes near broken or open basement windows
· Unheated crawl spaces and equipment rooms
· Pipes near the foundation or cracks in the basement wall
· Pipes near exterior wall in unheated room
· Inadequate heating in un-insulated or uncovered outside pit
· Pipes under kitchen sinks or cupboards
WARNING SIGNS OF FREEZE
· Unusually cold water temperature (less than 35° F) at any fixture
· Unusually low water flow at a fixture
· Discolored water at a fixture
· Low water pressure at a fixture
· Extremely cold piping at a fixture
· Sputtering sound when opening a fixture
THAWING FROZEN PIPES
· It’s safest to use hot air from a hair dryer or exhaust from a vacuum cleaner
· Use heat tape, but with caution, and unplug when finished
PREVENTION
· Check water temperature and run a little water if unusually cold
· Shut off and drain outside water faucets before freezing occurs
· Run small amounts of water from highest faucet until full flow returns
· Insulate walls near exposed piping
· Repair cold air leaks to reduce drafts on piping and meter
CAUTION
· To prevent fires, never thaw with an open flame or torch
· Be careful if pipe is cracked, it will spray water into electrical appliances when thawed
· Check and clear drains to prevent basement flooding in case of pipe burst
· Know where the main shut-off valve is located so you can turn it off quickly in case a pipe bursts
