NORTH CENTRAL OHIO — Jack Frost’s frozen rampage across Ohio will spare no one or thing, including the pipes in your house.
Running water is a necessity for those who plan to stay bundled up and inside this weekend.
When temperatures drop below freezing, water solidifies into ice, and in the process, that ice can expand. An expansion in an already tight space, such as a pipe, can lead to cracking or bursting.
Pipes that are most exposed to the cold are more likely to freeze, such as outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and water sprinkler lines, according to an American Red Cross article.
Pipes located in unheated parts of the home, including basements, crawl spaces, attics and garages, are also more prone to freezing.
Pipes that run against exterior walls and aren’t as insulated can also be problematic, such as kitchen sink pipes.
How to prevent pipes from freezing
The key to preventing a frozen or burst pipe is preventative action before the cold temperatures hit your home.
“If there is a questionable area of the house, let the faucets dribble,” said Chris Robinson, owner of MW Robinson Company. Robinson has been in the plumbing business for 40 years.
- Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines, if applicable, and drain and store outdoor hoses if you haven’t already.
- Keep garage doors closed if there are exposed pipes located there.
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to better expose the pipes to indoor heat, and consider leaving the temperature higher at night instead of turning it down.
- Consider leaving faucets that aren’t as insulated at a trickle: moving water can’t freeze as easily.
If you can, insulate any exposed pipes in those freeze-prone locations with foam tubing or electrical heat tape, both of which can be purchased at stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s and even online at Amazon.com.
“Keep the lines as warm as they possibly can be,” Robinson advised.
Space heaters in front of problematic pipes can be helpful.
He said apartment residents can still crank the heat and keep cabinet doors open, but because of the surrounding heat from other apartment units, buildings are less prone to pipes freezing.
Mobile homes in particular need to be diligent about protecting pipes that service the trailer from underneath.
Robinson recommended stacking hay bails around the base of the trailer to protect from wind and cold.
What to do if pipes freeze?
If you turn on a faucet and water only flows at a trickle, if at all, your pipes are frozen or freezing. Check other faucets to see how many pipes are impacted by the cold temperatures.
“If a pipe freezes, there is very little a plumber can do because it’s gonna take time and warmth to thaw that line,” Robinson said.
- Keep the faucet on while you treat the frozen pipe, this will help the ice to thaw and indicate when water has returned to its regular flow levels.
- Apply heat to the pipes inside with a space heater, hair dryer, or even wrapping the pipes in warm water soaked towels, if you have access to an unfrozen pipe, according to an American Red Cross article. Continue to heat the pipes until full water pressure is restored.
What if a pipe bursts?
If pressure from frozen water builds up enough, a pipe will burst, which means a crack in the pipe or other parts.
“The pipe won’t rush water out until it thaws. There’s nothing we can do until it leaks,” Robinson said.
Do your best to locate where a pipe has burst so you can quickly direct a plumber to the leak.
If you know a pipe has already burst, but the water is still frozen and not leaking, shut off the main water supply valve. If you don’t, water will spew from the damaged pipes when it’s warm enough for the ice to thaw.
“$200 can fix a pipe, but it can’t undo water damage,” Robinson said.
Make sure you know where your shut-off valve is ahead of time; they are typically located in the basement close to the main street, Robinson said.
The quicker you can turn off the water valve, the less water damage your house will incur.
Until the pipe damage is repaired, the main water supply will have to stay off.