How To Prevent Frozen Pipes

Written on: February 13, 2023

Williams Energy is here to help with your plumbing problems!

Merely mentioning frozen pipes can cause deep apprehension among folks living on the South Shore.

The winter season brings with it the risk of frozen pipes that can easily burst, resulting in costly repairs and remediation work.

At Williams Energy, our team of expert plumbers are all licensed and knowledgeable professionals who can help you if your pipes freeze.

We are dedicated to providing you with the tools needed to prevent frozen pipes, so that you can rest assured your home is safe.

Frozen pipe prevention tips

Proactively safeguarding against frozen pipes is critical, and the best way to do that is by having a plan in place.

To prevent damage from winter weather, it’s essential to take certain precautions in advance. Shutting off water pipes that are vulnerable to freezing is a key step. This includes pool and sprinkler supply lines as well as any other plumbing susceptible to cold temperatures.

Don’t wait until the winter is upon us to detach all your outdoor garden hoses from their spigots and drain out any water that might still be inside them. Store these in a dry location afterward, such as your garage or shed. Next, shut off all interior valves connected with those external access points. Shield your hose spigots against extreme weather with an insulating cover, which you can purchase from any plumbing or home improvement store or online.

To protect your water lines from the cold, make sure to keep your attached garage door closed.

Utilize your programmable or smart thermostat to safeguard those pipes. Do not set the thermostat any lower than 55° Fahrenheit, especially if you are going to be away from home for more than a day or two.

Make sure the warmth from your home’s heating stays inside by insulating around vents and light fixtures, sealing any wall cracks (especially near utility service lines) with caulk or weatherstripping, and using additional sealants on doors and windows to keep out drafts.

Paying close attention to the weather report will help you anticipate any potential issues with your pipes. When frigid weather hits, run your faucets with a low-pressure stream of water. Additionally, open cabinets in areas where plumbing is located to allow warm air to reach your pipes. These are especially important to do when plumbing is against an exterior wall to combat the cold outside and any drafts getting in your home.

My pipes are frozen. What do I do?

Although you may be taking precautions, icy temperatures can still result in frozen pipes. But don’t panic: the most important thing is to remain calm and take action. You can potentially prevent your frozen pipes from bursting, thus averting damages to your home. Try following these steps.

• Keep your faucet open. Thawing pipes need a release for the steam and water to escape, so keeping your faucet open is key: it will help speed up the process because moving water can travel more quickly through the pipe.
• Use heat to help thaw pipes. Thaw out your frozen pipe quickly and easily with a secure electric heating pad. Wrap it securely around the area that has become frozen. If you do use a heating pad, only use it for a short while and do not leave it unattended as it may be a fire risk. Other options for thawing frozen pipes include using a hair dryer or towels soaked in warm or hot water.
• Play it safe. When thawing frozen pipes, take the utmost precaution and never use a blowtorch, propane or kerosene heaters, charcoal stove or any other open flame device as this could be hazardous as they increase the risk of fire. Use a space heater only if you are certain that there is no flammable material in the area, and it will not be left unattended.
• Check for other frozen pipes. Once your frozen pipe is thawed, inspect the rest of the faucets in the home to confirm that no other pipes have frozen.
• Act immediately if frozen pipes are along an exterior wall. If the frozen pipes are located inside an exterior wall, swift action is essential in order to mitigate any potential further damage. This is not a do-it-yourself job. Quickly contact Williams Energy, as the thawing process might require them to create an opening in your home’s interior wall. This will allow for the pipes to be exposed to a warmer environment and ultimately thaw them.

The team of expert plumbers at Williams Energy can help take care of all your plumbing needs! Contact us for service.