How to Prevent (and Fix) Frozen Pipes

As temperatures drop, there are many things homeowners need to keep in mind to protect their homes through the cold winter season. One of the most important is the prevention of frozen pipes. Because water expands as it freezes, freezing temps can burst your pipes, leading to water damage and expensive repairs (often at least $5,000, according to Consumer Reports). 

Your pipes are the last thing you want to think about on vacation, but they’re especially susceptible to freezing during holiday breaks and other winter vacations. With the heat turned down and no one home to mitigate emergencies, it’s important to make the proper preparations ahead of time so you can actually enjoy family visits and vacations. The American Red Cross has a great list of tips for keeping your pipes warm all winter long, and we’ve summed up all the important stuff.

To Prevent Pipes From Freezing…

…follow these steps and stay aware of the temperatures outside. While it’s never too late, the earlier in the season you can take these precautions, the better.

Insulate

Pipe insulation is inexpensive, around 50 cents per linear foot, and can be incredibly helpful in protecting your pipes. Both cold and hot water pipes should be insulated. Add additional insulation to cold areas like basements and attics to keep temperatures up. Examine your home for any areas where cold air can sneak in, and seal them up. Look near electrical wiring and dryer vents, and use insulation or caulk to plug any gaps.

Drain

Drain water from any vulnerable pipes outside, including sprinkler and swimming pool lines. Drain your hose and bring it indoors for the season. Don’t use antifreeze in these pipes! It’s harmful to landscaping and toxic to humans, pets, and wildlife.

Circulate

Keep garage, basement, and attic doors and windows closed if water supply lines are in these areas. Open up cabinet doors to let warm air inside. Add space heaters to at-risk rooms to lessen the risk of temperatures getting too low.

Drip Faucets

When it’s especially cold out, running water – even just a drip – can help keep the water moving and prevent freezing.

Keep Heat Up

Keep temperatures no less than 55º, both day and night. While you may be hesitant to spend a little extra on utilities if you’re not around to enjoy the heat, it can save you thousands of dollars in repair costs if a pipe were to burst.

Shut Off Water

Shutting off and draining your water system is one way to ensure your pipes don’t freeze while you’re away on vacation. If you have a fire protection sprinkler system, be aware that turning off water will likely disable its functioning.

Even if you try your best to take every precaution, sometimes pipes still freeze. Don’t panic – there are things you can do to mitigate damage and prevent it from going any further.

If Your Pipes Have Already Frozen…

Let’s say you turn on your faucet, and only a weak trickle emerges. If the temperatures are low, there’s a strong likelihood your pipes are frozen. First, try identifying which pipes are most likely suspects. Pipes exposed to severe cold (like outdoor hose bibs or water sprinkler lines), water supply pipes in unheated indoor areas (like attics or basements), and pipes that run along uninsulated exterior walls are most often the ones to freeze. Use a hair dryer, heating pad, or hot towels to apply heat directly to the pipes. Keeping the faucet open and ready to run will help you gauge how long your pipes are frozen for and if your heating attempts are effective. If this doesn’t seem to be working or you can’t find or access the frozen pipes, call a plumber as soon as possible. If your pipes have already burst, turn off your water supply and leave faucets open to drain.

While we love winter in Vermont, it comes with its challenges – and the more alert and prepared you are, the more you can enjoy all the good things VT winter has to offer!
 

If you're gearing up for winter, check out the rest of our winter blog series:
How to Prepare Your Home for Winter
Tips for Winter Prep in Vermont
Don't Overlook Your Dryer Vent This Winter