How to prevent frozen or broken pipes in your home
The arrival of winter brings with it cooler temperatures. These colder temperatures, along with poor protection from the elements, is the leading cause of frozen pipes, leading to a burst pipe and the need for plumbing services. There are several steps that can be taken to protect pipes from freezing.
Pipes in unheated areas such as the garage, attic, basement, and basements must be insulated. To do this, wrap all exposed areas of the pipe with electrical tape or a molded pipe sleeve. Be sure to also cover all pipe fittings, faucets, and values with electrical tape. If there is an ongoing problem with frozen pipes, leave an open value by allowing a light stream of water to continue to flow from the faucet furthest from the street. However, this is a waste of water, so use only a minimal current and only for pipes that run through unheated areas. If the problem persists, point the light of a heat lamp toward the pipe in the area that freezes most often.
To protect yourself from the outside, disconnect garden hoses and, if possible, turn off the outside water line, then drain the pipe by running the outside faucet until the flow of water stops. If this is not possible, wrap the exterior spigots with a fiberglass or molded foam insulation cover. In a pinch, wrap the spigot in newspaper or rags, then cover it with plastic and secure it with electrical tape. Caulking around outside pipes and sealing foundation vents with wood or foam block is another good way to protect yourself against the elements and an unwanted plumbing bill. There are also electrical heating tapes and cables that can be laid along the water pipes to help prevent water from freezing inside the line. However, these must be used correctly to protect against fire, so when in doubt, call a plumber to verify that the pipes are safe for the use of these products, as well as to get advice on how to make it work.
If the home will be unoccupied for an extended period during the winter months, it’s a good idea to shut off and drain the water system before you leave to prevent frozen pipes. To do this, simply turn off the main shutdown value, then turn on all the faucets in the house. Leave faucets running until all the water has drained from the pipes, then it’s okay to turn them off. If the house will only be unoccupied for a day or two, leave the oven on low and open all cabinet doors where the water lines are.
If a frozen pipe is suspected, play it safe and call a plumber immediately. In the case of a broken pipeline, close the nearest shutoff valve, if there is no isolated valve for that area of pipeline, close the main valve. Immediately call someone who offers emergency plumbing services. Failure to do so could result in higher costs and damages.