How To Prevent Frozen Pipes

1/21/2021 (Permalink)

When temperatures plummet, the risk of your pipes freezing and bursting increases. In fact, burst pipes are one of the most common causes of property damage during frigid New England winters and the cost to repair the damage resulting from burst pipes can be thousand of dollars.  

The pipes most at risk are those in unheated interior spaces such as basements, attics, and garages. Still, even pipes running through cabinets or exterior walls can freeze. The good news is there are some simple things you can do to keep your water running and your house dry.

How To Beat The Freeze

Once the temperature starts dropping outside, you should take measures inside to keep your pipes warm and water running. Research shows that the “temperature alert threshold” is 20° F, especially if you have uninsulated pipes running through an uninsulated space. Here are some preventative steps property owners can take to reduce the risk of pipes freezing in their Mendon, Ma commercial or residential property.  

1. If there are water supply lines in the garage keep the garage doors closed
2. Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing, especially if your sinks are on an exterior wall
3. Let the cold water drip from a faucet served by exposed pipes—even at a trickle, running water through pipes helps prevent them from freezing
4. Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature during day and night
5. If you plan to be away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F
6. Insure attics, basements, and crawl spaces are properly insulated

How To Safely Thaw Frozen Pipes

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, you may well have a frozen pipe. It is important to be careful when thawing frozen pipes. The frozen water in your pipes may be blocking any bursts and once the ice melts water will come flowing out and flood your property.

The first thing to do if you suspect that your pipes have frozen is to turn off the water at the main shutoff valve.

1. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe call a plumber
2. If the water is still running, you are able to locate the frozen area, the frozen area is accessible and you are certain that the pipes have not burst, you can take the following steps:
   1. Turn on the faucet. 
   2. Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water
   3. DO NOT use a blowtorch, a kerosene or propane heater, a charcoal stove, or any device with an open flame as you may start a fire
   4. Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. Check all other faucets in your home to see whether you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too
   5. If you cannot thaw the pipe call a plumber

If you experience a burst pipe, the first step, if it is safe to do so, is to turn off the Water Main. Then call the water remediation experts of SERVPRO of Natick/Milford to remediate the water damage. and to determine the cause of the burst pipe at (774) 290-4300. We will make it, "Like it never even happened."