Frozen ? Tips to avoid frozen pipe

7 Steps To Prevent Frozen Pipes

Water expands as it freezes. This expansion puts extreme pressure on whatever is

containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. Pipes that freeze most frequently are those that

are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor water faucets, swimming pool supply lines, water

sprinkler lines, and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl

spaces, attics, garages, or cabinets. Also, pipes that run against exterior walls that have little

or no insulation are also subject to freezing.

Step 1: Check It Out

Check the insulation of pipes in your properties crawl spaces and attic. Exposed pipes are

most susceptible to freezing.

Step 2: Install Heat Tape

If you know your property often suffers from frozen pipes you should consider having heat

tape installed on those pipes. Heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables can be

used to wrap pipes and keep them warm.

Step 3: Keep The Cold Out

Seal leaks that allow cold air inside near where pipes are located. Look for air leaks around

electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes, and use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out. With

severe cold, even a tiny opening can let in enough cold air to cause a pipe to freeze.

Step 4: Shut-Off Outdoor Faucets

Use an indoor valve to shut-off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This

reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house.

Step 5: Open The Faucets A Little

A trickle of hot and cold water might be all it takes to keep your pipes from freezing. Let warm

water drip overnight, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall.

Step 6: Don’t Turn Down The Heat

Keep your thermostat set at the same temperature during both day and night. You might be in

the habit of turning down the heat at night, but further drops in the temperature – more

common overnight – could catch you off guard and freeze your pipes.

Step 7: Open up closets and cabinets

Open closets and cabinet doors to allow heat to get to un-insulated pipes

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