When the temperature falls to 32ºF or below, you can prevent water damage from freezing pipes by taking a few simple steps.
To prevent freezing pipes:
- Keep the thermostat at 65º F or above, day and night. Make sure all inside doors are open, so warm air can easily circulate.
- Drain and shut off any water supply to the outside. Install frost-proof spigots or protect them from freezing with faucet insulators.
- Add insulation to outside walls that contain pipes. If you see moisture or mold, or your walls feel cold to the touch, consider re-insulating or using spray foam to add protection.
- Use snap-on insulation for pipes in unheated areas. You can also use heated plumbing tape or cable that automatically turns on when temperatures approach freezing.
- Install smart technology, such as low temperature sensors, “smart” thermostats, back-up generators, and water leak detection systems.
If you think your pipes are frozen:
- Keep the faucet open, with both cold and hot water running, to slowly unfreeze the pipes.
- Turn your thermostat up, to increase the warmth of the surrounding air.
- Contact a licensed plumber if you are not certain where the freeze is, because you may cause the pipe to burst if you’re not concentrating on the right area.
If a water pipe bursts:
- Turn off the water leading to the pipe, to prevent additional water from flowing and damaging your home.
- Contact a licensed plumber to fix the problem.
