Preventing Frozen Pipes

11/16/2023 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes are actually very preventable.

With frigid temperatures and winter storms coming, now is the time to learn more about how to avoid frozen pipes and water damage that can occur if those pipes expand and burst. Frozen pipes are actually very preventable. SERVPRO® offers the following tips for preventing frozen pipes and mitigating potential damage that they can cause.   

To prevent frozen pipes and avoid any potential damage:  

• Insulate all exposed pipes in your property. Pay close attention to where pipes may be unheated, such as the basement, attic, garage, crawl space, and under cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom.  
• Maintain a consistent temperature throughout your house day and night.  
• Close any valves located inside that supply water outdoors and open outside valves to properly drain any excess water remaining in the pipes.  
• Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors.  
• In especially freezing temperatures, let your faucet trickle; running water is less likely to freeze.  
• If your home will be unoccupied for an extended period, leave the heat on and set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.  

Thawing Out a Frozen Pipe:  

• If you turn on a faucet and only a few drips come out, you may have a frozen pipe. Typically, frozen pipes are found along exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.  
• Leave the faucet on while treating any frozen pipes, as flowing water will help melt the ice.  
• Apply heat to the frozen section of the pipe by using an electric heating pad, an electric hair dryer, or wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, or other open flame devices.  
• Check all other faucets in your home to see if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze too.  

Cold weather, snow, and ice storms can cause severe damage to your home or business. When these types of disasters strike, immediate action is necessary to prevent additional damage to your property. SERVPRO® of Saginaw / Bay City has the winter storm experience, expertise, and the resources to remediate damage caused by winter weather.