With winter in full swing, staying warm and enjoying the winter wonderland we live in is top priority. What isn’t as fun? Frozen pipes. While you’re enjoying all things warm and cozy, keep the frigid temperatures at the back of your mind and pay close attention to the pipes in your home. With cold temperatures, pipes can easily freeze, making it difficult to carry out every day tasks and costing you money.
Pipes Most Vulnerable to Freezing
The pipes in your home with exposure to freezing temperatures are the most likely to freeze. By draining these pipes, thoroughly insulating them, and storing hoses inside you’re already taking the step in the right direction to prevent frozen pipes.
Nonetheless, these pipes are the most vulnerable to freezing:
- Outdoor hose bibs
- Pool supply lines
- Sprinkler lines
- Pipes in unheated areas – attic, garage, basement, crawlspaces
- Pipes along an exterior wall
How to Tell if You Have Frozen Pipes
The easiest way to tell if you have frozen pipes is if you have no water supply coming out of your sink. If you do have water supply but the water is trickling out, look for these other signs:
- Temperatures below 32 degrees – the lower the temperature and the length of the temperature drop will increase the chances of your pipes freezing
- Frost on the outside of exposed pipes
What To Do About Your Frozen Pipes
If you notice you have frozen pipes, it’s extremely important to act fast. Take these steps to thaw your frozen pipes:
- Turn off the main water line
- Turn on the faucet (even if water isn’t coming out) supplied by the frozen pipe
- Apply heat to the frozen pipe to help thaw it faster
- Check for other frozen pipes
If you’re experiencing frozen pipes, call A+ Plumbing, Heating & Cooling 24/7 to fix the issue for you at (603) 518-5777.
