How to Prevent Frozen Pipes Winter 2009/10

Learn how to prevent freezing and bursting pipe winter 2009/10

Exposed water pipes on exterior walls or crawl spaces can freeze in below zero temperatures. Water freezes and expands inside the pipe. With enough expansion, the pipe will burst open and spill out melted ice. Freezing and bursting pipes can cause expensive damage to the infrastructure of your home. Service Reviews has gathered tips from professional plumbers across the United States on how to prevent freezing pipes Winter 2009/10.

1. The best prevention against frozen pipes is proper weatherization before temperatures drop significantly. Insulate exposed water lines with foam rubber sleeves, fiberglass or heat tape. Functioning like an electrical heat blanket, heat tape wraps around exposed water pipes to keep them warm.

2. Disconnect garden hoses. Close water supply to outdoor connections and drain exterior piping and fittings from trapped water and steam.

3. Seal any small cracks in your home that can introduce cold air over exposed piping.

4. If you are planning a Christmas holiday away from home make sure to close your main water supply and drain out your pipes.

The first indication of a freezing pipe in winter is a drop in water pressure. Act on this warning sign and find your frozen pipe quickly. Turn water supply to the freezing pipe and open faucet to let out trapped water or steam. Thawing is the next step – applying direct heat on the frozen section will cause thermal expansion and split open the pipe. Conduct safe thawing by defrosting your pipe with heat tape, space heater or hair dryer.