In the aftermath of Winter Storm Fern, the cold temperatures that have followed — coupled with severe wind chills — can cause vulnerable water supply pipes to freeze and burst.
When pipes freeze, pressure builds inside as water expands, which can cause pipes to burst regardless of whether they are made of plastic, copper or steel. Even a small crack can release more than 200 gallons of water in a single day, resulting in substantial property damage.
Roto-Rooter, a plumbing repair company based in Cincinnati, has shared a list of tips to help people prevent frozen pipes or how to handle them if they are already frozen.
“It’s the thawing pipes that really get our phones ringing,” Roto-Rooter spokesman Paul Abrams said in a news release. “Leaking and spewing pipes cause lots of water damage.”
Tips to prevent frozen pipes
Roto-Rooter recommends the following steps to help prevent frozen and burst pipes during extreme cold:
- Disconnect outdoor water hoses and cover outside faucets with Styrofoam insulation kits.
- Repair dripping or leaking outdoor faucets before freezing temperatures arrive.
- If a washing machine is located in an unheated garage, turn off the water supply lines and disconnect hoses when temperatures are expected to fall well below freezing.
- Allow a slow trickle of both hot and cold water to run overnight in sinks and bathtubs.
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets beneath sinks to allow warm air to circulate around uninsulated pipes.
- Insulate pipes in unheated areas such as garages and crawl spaces, and install thermostat-controlled heat cables on the most exposed pipes.
- Ensure the furnace is operating and set to no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
What to do if your pipes are frozen
If pipes are suspected or confirmed to be frozen, the following actions should be taken immediately:
- Shut off the main water valve and open indoor faucets to reduce pressure and minimize flooding if a pipe bursts.
- If the frozen pipe is exposed and accessible, thaw it using a hair dryer or space heater. Do not use an open flame.
- Inspect exposed pipes for leaks once thawed. Even with the water main turned off, remaining pressure may reveal damage.
- Contact a licensed plumber equipped with pipe-thawing equipment to restore water flow and make necessary repairs.
- Even if no leaks are visible, pipes that experienced a hard freeze should be professionally inspected, as stretching and material fatigue may increase the risk of future failure.