Keeping Your Pipes from Freezing and Bursting

The temperatures continue to dip here in New England, which can cause all kinds of problems for property owners including the dreaded frozen pipes. In this post, we will cover a few tips to help prevent your pipes from bursting and what to do if this happens to you.

While it is the cold that causes pipes to burst, it’s not just the ice in the pipes that causes breakage, but an increase of water pressure. A complete ice blockage, the continuous freezing and expansion of the water, and the increase of the water pressure between the ice blockage and a closed faucet are what cause pipes to fail.

In New England, most pipes are contained behind insulated walls. However, sometimes cracks or holes, such as those in outside walls for cable or telephone lines, can allow freezing air to seep through. Or, if a house isn’t heated and water is left in the pipes, breakage can occur. And, pipes in attics or outside are vulnerable to freezing temperatures, such as outdoor showers or even garden hose spigots.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

During winter months, it is a good idea to shut off and drain all outside water lines to prevent pipes from freezing. It may also be a good idea to do this if you are going on a trip and the heat will not be on the house. Keeping a small amount of water dripping out of faucets may also help to prevent pipe breakage, but not always.

What to do if You Have a Frozen Pipe

Do not try to thaw a pipe with an open flame because you could end up starting a fire. And if a pipe has burst, do not use electrical appliances to thaw pipes as you could get electrocuted. If you suspect that a pipe has frozen or if one has burst, you should call a plumber to have it taken care of immediately. If a water pipe bursts, make sure to turn off the water where the main line comes into the house; keep your faucets open until the problem can be take care of.

By: AAA Plumbing & Heating

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