![]() Check all other faucets in your home to see whether you have additional frozen pipes. As tempting as it may be, do not use a blowtorch, a kerosene or propane heater, a charcoal stove, or any device with an open flame the high heat can damage the pipes or even start a fire.Īpply heat until full water pressure is restored. Running water through the pipe, as cold as it is, will help melt ice in the pipe.Īpply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, or a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. As you heat the frozen pipe and the ice plug begins to melt, you want the water to be able to flow through. (Of course, if you suspect a more serious problem, call a plumber.) If the water is still running and no pipes have burst, you can take the following steps. If a pipe has broken, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve, which is usually at the water meter or where the main line enters the house. “If you suspect the pipes are frozen, be careful when thawing them out because if the pipe has already burst, the water will come flowing out and flood your home,” says John Galeotafiore, who oversees Consumer Reports’ testing of home products and power gear. If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, you may well have a frozen pipe. And to prevent drafts, seal cracks and openings around windows, doors, and at sill plates, where the house rests on its foundation. ![]() Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in those areas. If you plan to be away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.įor the long term, add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Again, during a cold snap is not the time to set back the thermostat at night to save a few bucks on your heating bill. Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature during day and night. Running water through the pipe-even at a trickle-helps prevent pipes from freezing. Let the cold water drip from a faucet served by exposed pipes. (If you have small children, be sure to remove any harmful cleaners and household chemicals.) Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing, especially if your sinks are on an exterior wall. Keep garage doors closed, especially if there are water supply lines in the garage. “So for not much more than the cost of the aspirin you’d need, you can avoid the headaches of cleanup, loss of precious keepsakes, and the cost of your insurance deductible.” Use the pipe insulation liberally to protect any vulnerable pipes.īoth the IBHS and the American Red Cross, which is in the business of emergency preparedness, have useful advice on how to prevent your pipes from freezing, as well as how to thaw them if they do. “Pipe insulation can cost as little as 50 cents per linear foot at your local hardware store,” says Susan Millerick, IBHS spokeswoman. The good news is there are some simple things you can do to keep your water running and your house dry. But even pipes running through cabinets or exterior walls can freeze. The pipes most at risk are those in unheated interior spaces such as basements, attics, and garages. In fact, burst pipes are one of the most common causes of property damage during frigid weather and can cause thousands in water damage-easily $5,000 or more, according to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (PDF). Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even holidays.When temperatures plummet, the risk of your pipes freezing and bursting skyrockets. If you need more help with your hanging pipes - whether it’s repair, replacement, or installation - don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-86).ġ-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain, or water damage problem, including excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Just remember the tips above, head to your hardware store or supply house for materials and get out your drill and screwdrivers. If you can mount a picture frame on a wall, you can hang or support a pipe. ![]() Undoubtedly, supporting a long run of pipe with pipe hangers is incredibly easy. I mean, just hold your hands out for a few minutes. Overall, it’s easy to understand why a long run of pipe needs support. More so, it’s possible that your area might have plumbing codes which require different kinds of materials, supports, and spacing to properly hang your unsupported water supply pipes. Make sure you check with your local government before you apply any of the above. Example of a bracket used to attach a pipe to brick or masonry. ![]()
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