Preventing Frozen Pipes

Keep the cold from causing problems to your water lines

Cold weather is a fact of life in Kansas. If you don’t take the proper precautions, it can cause your water pipes to freeze, or even worse, burst. Here are a few simple things you can do to help protect your water lines and save yourself from the damage and costly repair of a burst water pipe when the temperature outside plummets.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

When extreme cold is in the forecast, remember to:

• Let your faucets drip (put a pitcher in the sink to capture the water and use it to water plants, for drinking, etc.)
• Fix any drafty doors and windows, insulate walls and exposed pipes and close off crawl spaces near water lines
• Open cabinet doors to expose pipes to warmer room temperature air
• Know where your main water shut off valve is in case of a frozen or burst pipe
• Keep your thermostat at a consistent temperature, day and night
• Disconnect outside hoses and insulate outdoor faucets
• If you are going to be away from home for awhile, set your thermostat no lower than 55°F

If your pipes freeze

Follow these simple steps for thawing frozen pipes:

• First and foremost, immediately shut off your main water line
• Use a hairdryer or space heater to warm the pipe directly or the air around the pipe. (AVOID USING KEROSENE HEATERS OR OPEN FLAMES AND DO NOT LEAVE SPACE HEATERS UNATTENDED.)
• Once pipes are thawed, slowly turn the water back on and check for cracks and leaks
• If you cannot thaw a frozen pipe, call a professional plumber

With these easy tips, you can rest easier about your water lines during extreme cold weather.

Check out our video for preventing frozen water lines.