When water freezes it expands, and that pressure can split a pipe and flood a home once it thaws. A little preparation before a cold snap goes a long way toward avoiding a burst pipe.
Before the cold arrives
Prepare the vulnerable spots while the weather is still mild:
- Insulate pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, attics, and garages
- Seal drafts and gaps where cold air reaches pipes along exterior walls
- Disconnect and drain garden hoses, and shut off and drain outdoor faucets
- Know where your main shutoff valve is in case a pipe does burst
During a hard freeze
When temperatures drop well below freezing:
- Keep the heat on and set no lower than 55 degrees, even if you are away
- Let a faucet drip slightly on pipes along exterior walls to relieve pressure
- Open cabinet doors under sinks so warm air can reach the pipes
If a pipe freezes
If no water comes out of a faucet during a freeze, a pipe may be frozen. Keep the faucet open, warm the pipe gently with a hair dryer or towels soaked in warm water, and never use an open flame. If the pipe has already burst, shut off the main valve and call a plumber.
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