Winter Weather Tips: Preventing Frozen Pipes
The temperature are beginning to drop outside as winter approaches. Pipes typically begin to freeze when temperatures dip to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, and frozen pipes can cause costly damage. Since pipes are not visible in most areas of a building or facility, it can be easy to forget about protecting them during the winter months.
Preparing Your Facility
Before winter arrives, you can begin to prepare your buildings and property for colder weather by completing these items:
- Remove, drain and store outdoor hoses.
- Drain water from swimming pools, spas and water sprinkler lines following the manufacturer’s direction.
- Do not put antifreeze in water lines unless directed by the manufacturer.
- Seal leaks that are surrounding or near pipes.
- Ensure that both hot- and cold-water pipes in unheated areas are insulated.
You may consider installing products made to insulate water pipes, such as:
- Pipe sleeve
- UL-listed heat tape
- Heat cable
These items can be found at your local hardware store. If you do decide to wrap any pipes before winter arrives, make sure the ends and joints are wrapped tightly with tape.
Check your building for other areas where water supply lines are located, especially if they're located in unheated areas such as:
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Attics
- Garages
- Under kitchen cabinets
- Under bathroom cabinets
During Cold Weather
After you have prepared your buildings and property, there are additional steps you can take to further protect your pipes when the weather turns particularly cold:
- Keep garage doors closed if the garage contains water lines.
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
- Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature during the day and at night.
- Let cold water drip from any faucet with exposed pipes when temperatures are extremely cold.
- Turn on both hot and cold faucets near outside walls to allow a small trickle of water to run during the night and extremely cold days.
- Leave the heat on and the thermostat set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit in your buildings when you will be away from the facility for an extended period of time during cold weather.
- Drain your water system before leaving your facilities for an extended period of time during cold weather.
If Pipes Freeze
If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, begin taking steps to treat the suspected frozen pipe:
- Keep the faucet open so that any flowing water can help to melt more ice.
- Apply heat to the frozen section of the pipe using:
- Electric heating pad
- Hair dryer
- Portable space heater
- Towels soaked in warm water and wrapped around the pipes
- Do not use a blowtorch, propane heater or other open flame device as boiling water may cause a pipe to explode.
- Apply heat until full water pressure is restored.
- Check other faucets in your facility to ensure there are no more frozen pipes.
- Call a licensed plumber if:
- You are unable to locate a frozen area of the pipe.
- The frozen area is inaccessible.
- You cannot thaw the pipe on your own.
If Pipes Burst
You may not locate a frozen pipe until it has burst and you see free-flowing water. The actions you take immediately following the discovery of a burst pipe are critical:
- Shut off water immediately to prevent additional damage.
- Take proper precautions to avoid an electrical shock from being in or near standing water.
- Call a licensed plumber.
- Take an inventory of any damaged property or possessions.
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