Tips to Help Prevent Frozen Pipes

Freezing temperatures and gusty winds are forecasted this weekend. Here are some tips to prevent water damage from frozen pipes from Travelers Insurance Company.

Tips to Help Prevent Frozen Pipes

• If provided, close inside valves supplying water to outdoor faucets and hookups. Disconnect any hoses from exterior faucets.
• Open outdoor faucets to allow residual water to drain; be sure to keep them open during the cold weather months, while the water supply is turned off.
• Keep garage doors closed to help protect water pipes located in the garage.
• Open the doors on cabinets where plumbing is located. This can help allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes.
• For pipes that are at risk of freezing (both hot and cold water pipes), let water drip from faucets.
• Keep the heat in your home set at a minimum of 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

What to Do if You Have a Frozen Pipe

• Locate and close the main water shut-off valve as soon as possible and before temperatures rise above freezing.
• Inspect pipes for damage, including those in attics and crawl spaces, where it is safe to do so.
• As temperatures rise above freezing, watch and listen for signs of water leaks.
• If a pipe is leaking, do not turn on the water. Open all faucets, including those outside, to drain remaining water from pipes. Then call a licensed plumber for repairs.
• If no leaks are detected, turn the water back on slowly. Continue to check for leaks before turning the water on completely.
• Never use torches or heat guns to facilitate thawing as these can create fire hazards.