Avoiding Frozen Pipes
Room by Room : Episode RXR-1607 -- More Projects »
Matt Fox shares these tips that may help to prevent frozen pipes during winter in cold climates: - Turn on a faucet to let water dribble in the plumbing where the pipes run through cold spaces since running water doesn't freeze as quickly as still water.
- Leave kitchen or bathroom cabinets on the outside walls open so that warm air from the room circulates in the cabinets and around the pipes.
Protect water and drain pipes with preformed foam insulation (figure A). It comes in many pipe dimensions and is easy to install--cut to necessary length; spilt at the precut seam, and then slip it over the pipes.
If preventative measures fail, first locate the part of the pipe that's frozen. Check the water flow from several faucets throughout the house to isolate the problem. Once found, inspect it to see if the pipe has any cracks, splits or expanded and deformed areas (figure B). Next, turn off the main water shutoff valve by turning it clockwise (it's best to know where this is ahead of time). Everyone in the house should know where it is, which is usually in the basement or an outside wall in a utility area of the home (keep a reminder next to it that says "clockwise off" to avoid confusion in an emergency). Warm the pipe by slowly moving a hair dryer over its entire length. After a while the pipe will run freely so you can then turn the main water valve back on. When leaving for an extended amount of time in cold weather, have a friend or family member check your house at least once a day and be sure to show them the location of the main water shutoff valve.
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