With severe winter weather expected this weekend, it’s important to know how to prevent water pipes from freezing.
Outside the house, the American Red Cross says to keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage, and disconnect garden hoses from outdoor spigots.
Inside, open kitchen and bathroom cabinets under the sink to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing, and let a slow trickle of cold water drip from faucets on exterior walls. Running water through the pipe, even just a small amount, will help prevent pipes from freezing. If planning on leaving home, leave the heat on at 60 degrees or higher.
When turning on the faucet, if only a trickle comes out, suspect it is frozen. If a pipe freezes, apply heat to the section using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer or a portable space heater. Wrapping pipes in hot water-soaked towels will also do the trick.
If a pipe is frozen, the Red Cross recommends continuing to leave the faucet on. As the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow, melting ice in the pipe. If the area is inaccessible or will not thaw, call a plumber.
