frozen_pipes
Here are cold weather tips to help prevent pipes from freezing.

Here is information to prevent water pipes from freezing.

Cold Weather Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes

As temperatures drop, residents are encouraged to take the following steps to help prevent frozen pipes and costly damage:

  • Keep garage doors closed, especially if water supply lines are located in the garage.

  • Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around plumbing, particularly if sinks are on exterior walls.
    If you have small children, be sure to remove any harmful cleaners or chemicals from open cabinets.

  • Let cold water drip from faucets served by exposed pipes. Even a small trickle helps prevent freezing.

  • Keep your thermostat set to a consistent temperature, day and night. Cold snaps are not the time to lower the heat.

  • If you plan to be away, leave the heat on and set the thermostat to no lower than 55°F.

  • Insulate exposed pipes. Pipe insulation is inexpensive and can prevent significant damage.

  • For long-term protection, add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces, and seal cracks or openings around windows, doors, and sill plates.

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes Safely

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle of water comes out, you may have a frozen pipe.

Important: If a pipe has already burst, water can flood your home quickly.

  • If a pipe has broken, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve immediately (usually located near the water meter or where the main line enters the home).

  • If water is still running and no pipe has burst:

    • Turn on the affected faucet to allow water to flow as the ice melts.

    • Apply heat to the frozen section using:

      • An electric heating pad

      • A hair dryer

      • A portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials)

      • Towels soaked in hot water

    • Do not use open flames, including blowtorches, propane heaters, kerosene heaters, or charcoal stoves, as these can damage pipes and create serious fire hazards.

  • Continue applying heat until full water pressure is restored.

  • Check other faucets in your home—if one pipe freezes, others may also be affected.

  • Call a licensed plumber if you cannot locate the frozen pipe, cannot access it, or are unable to safely thaw it.

Taking these steps now can help prevent damage, avoid costly repairs, and keep everyone safe during extreme cold weather. ❄️