With temperatures set to dip into the negative 20s overnight Tuesday, and the high for Tuesday topping out in the single digits, the time to prevent frozen pipes is now.
The city of Boulder provides some simple tips for preventing and thawing pipes.
Keep in mind which pipes are most likely to freeze. Outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines and water supply pipes in unheated areas such as basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages or kitchen cabinets are most prone to freezing. Pipes that run against exterior walls and have little or no insulation can also freeze.
When cold weather is imminent, drain swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer’s or installer’s directions (do not put antifreeze in these lines unless directed), remove, drain and store hoses used outdoors, close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs and open the outside hose taps to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.
Once the cold weather has arrived, keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines there, open kitchen cabinets to allow warmer air to circulate around pipes, and during extremely cold weather let cold water drip (at a minimal amount) from any faucets served by exposed pipes. Running water, even a small amount, helps prevent frozen pipes.
If you suspect one or more of your pipes have frozen, you can try to thaw it yourself or call a licensed plumber.
If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, make sure the main water valve is turned on. If it is, a pipe has likely frozen. Locate the frozen area of pipe and apply heat to the area with an electric heating pad, portable space heater or hair dryer, or by wrapping the pipe with towels soaked in hot water. Keep the faucet open while you treat the frozen pipe. As the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area, helping melt more ice in the pipe.
Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove or other open flame device to thaw a frozen pipe, and make sure the heating pad, hair dryer or other electrical device do not come into contact with water. Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber. If a frozen pipe has burst and is causing flooding, turn off the main water valve and call 911.
For more information, contact a licensed plumber or contractor in your area.
