How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
Before Winter:
- Disconnect and drain outdoor faucets. Shut them off inside.
- Patch cracks and holes near pipes.
- Insulate pipes in unheated garages and crawl spaces.
- Check insulation. Wet insulation freezes and is worse than no insulation.
- Make sure heat can circulate around pipes. Plumbing in an enclosed area such as a closet will freeze.
- Pay attention to basement piping. Older furnaces lose enough heat to warm basements, newer energy efficient furnaces do not.
- Consider UL Approved heat tape
- Find and tag your water shut off valve and make sure it works before an emergency crisis. This will limit water damage should inside pipes burst.
If Your Pipes Freeze:
- Do not use an open flame for thawing pipes. You risk overheating a pipe and causing it to burst or set the house on fire.