The Big Freeze
Make sure to protect your pipes!
When temperatures are consistently at or below freezing:
- If you have pipes that are vulnerable to freezing, turn water off at the source and empty the pipes of residual water.
- Open cabinet doors to expose pipes to warmer room temperatures to help keep them from freezing.
If your pipes freeze:
- Shut off the water immediately. Don't attempt to thaw frozen pipes unless the water is shut off. Freezing can often cause unseen cracks in pipes or joints.
- Apply heat to the frozen pipe by warming the air around it, or by applying heat directly to a pipe. You can use a hair dryer, space heater or hot water. Avoid the use of kerosene heaters and open flames, and do not leave space heaters unattended.
- Once the pipes have thawed, turn the water back on slowly and check for cracks and leaks.
Quick Tips
Location:
- Identify and mark the main water valve shut-off
Sprinklers:
- Be sure all sprinkler heads are open and drained
Keep Valves Closed:
- When thawing pipes, be sure the water valves are closed
Bundle Up:
- It's not too late to be sure all outdoor faucets are properly wrapped to remain insulated
Keep Things Warm:
- Open cabinets and doors to ensure warm air flow around indoor pipes.
Thawing:
- Go slow! Check valves and joints as water is slowly turned back on, and look for any leaks or cracks that may have happen during freezing.
