Tips to Help Customers Prevent Water Damage from Frozen Pipes
An arctic blast of cold temperatures is expected to affect a large part of the country this coming week and could drop temperatures below freezing for several days. Here is some information that can help prevent water damage from frozen pipes and keep you safe.
Tips to Help Prevent Frozen Pipes
•Disconnect any hoses from exterior faucets. Even frost proof faucets/sillcocks require that the hose to be disconnected in freezing weather to allow residual water to drain.
•If provided, close inside valves supplying water to outdoor faucets and hookups. Open outdoor faucets to allow residual water to drain. Be sure to keep them open during the cold weather months, while the water supply is turned off.
•Keep garage doors closed to help protect water pipes located in the garage.
•Open the doors on cabinets where plumbing is located. This can help allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes.
•For pipes that are at risk of freezing (both hot and cold water pipes), let water drip from faucets.
•Keep the heat in your home set at a minimum of 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
•Identify areas that have experienced freeze issues in past winter storms and consult with a plumber or mechanical contractor to address and help protect those vulnerable areas ahead of the cold weather.
What to Do if You Have a Frozen Pipe
•Locate and close the main water shutoff valve as soon as possible and before temperatures rise above freezing.
•Inspect pipes for damage, including those in attics and crawl spaces, where it is safe to do so.
•As temperatures increase above freezing, watch and listen for signs of water leaks.
•If a pipe is leaking, do not turn on the water. Open all faucets including those outside to drain remaining water from pipes and call a licensed plumber for repairs.
•If no leaks are detected, turn water back on slowly. Continue to check for leaks before turning water on completely.
•Never use torches or heat guns to facilitate thawing as these can create fire hazards.
