With extreme cold temperatures and winter weather impacting our area, we want to share a few reminders to help reduce the risk of frozen pipes and water damage.
Tips to Help Prevent Frozen Pipes
- Disconnect hoses from exterior faucets and shut off interior valves to outdoor water lines if available.
- Keep garage doors closed to protect plumbing in those areas.
- Open cabinet doors where pipes are located to allow warm air to circulate.
- Allow faucets to drip slightly for pipes that may be at risk of freezing.
- Keep your thermostat set at no lower than 55°F, even when away.
- Pay extra attention to areas that have had freezing issues in the past and consider preventative repairs.
What to Do If You Suspect a Frozen Pipe
- Shut off your main water supply as soon as possible.
- Check exposed pipes for cracks or leaks where it’s safe to do so.
- As temperatures rise, monitor for signs of leaking water.
- If a pipe is leaking, do not turn the water back on—open faucets to drain the system and contact a licensed plumber.
- If no damage is found, slowly restore water and continue monitoring.
- Never use open flames or heat guns to thaw pipes, as this can create serious fire hazards.
