Frozen PipesAs home and business owners in New England, you have heard the term ‘Frozen Pipes’ a million times. Frozen pipes can be devastating to you home or commercial plumbing. If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, it is likely a frozen pipe. Water expands as it freezes, pushing against the walls of your pipes. This extreme pressure is capable of breaking both metal and plastic pipes. Low insulated pipes that are exposed to severe cold are at the highest risk for freezing. This included outdoor pipes, pipes that run along exterior walls, water supply pipes that are in unheated areas of your home such as your basement, attic, or garage, or even pipes in your kitchen cabinets.

In the winter here are some steps to prevent your pipes from freezing:

  • If there are water supply lines in your garage, remember to close your garage door.
  • For pipes in your kitchen or bathroom cabinets, keep the doors open to keep air moving around the plumbing.
  • Keep water moving through the pipes that lead outside when it is extremely cold outside, keeping your faucet running, even at a trickle will help prevent freezing.
  • Don’t turn down the thermostat at night
  • Leave your heat on when you go on vacation in the winter. You can keep it low, but no lower than 55° F.

There are a variety of DIY methods to thaw your pipes including space heaters and hair dryers, but the safest way to fix your system is to contact a professional. At A+ Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we offer our trained and experienced service to all over New Hampshire and Massachusetts for homeowners or building owners with frozen pipes. Fixing the problem yourself could put your entire system at risk. When pipes burst, gallons and gallons of water will flood the area until you are able to turn off the water supply. Ensure the safety of your pipes and plumbing and call A+ today.