Really hard freezes aren’t very common where I live, and when they do happen, they are very short-term. Because of that, most homeowners don’t give much thought to preventing frozen water pipes. But you know what they say; “it happens”. Consequently, every few years, local plumbers have a nice payday. Those emergency service calls are expensive.
Preventing Frozen Pipes
The bottom line is that prevention is a better alternative than repair. Preventing frozen pipes is really inexpensive. Here are just a few things to start with. Mind you, this is the minimum for the southern US. Those of you further up north will likely need to take a bit more precautions.
- Install foam pipe insulation. Most of the homes in my area are on concrete slab foundations so the thermally-exposed supply water pipes are in the attic. The ones that turn down vertically are not at risk in a heated home. But some houses are built on concrete block foundations. Because this arrangement allows for a crawl space between the ground and the floor joists and OSB or plywood subflooring, pipes may be located here. In the attic or crawlspace, the pipes should be insulated with a product like Armacell self-sealing foam insulation.
- Install exterior faucet “cups”. These are inexpensive insulated cups that fit over the faucet valve where it protrudes from the side of the home for a garden hose connection. (See the image above.) They’ll keep the frost and cold wind away.
Thawing Frozen Pipes
OK, it’s happened. You wake up in the morning and have found that the water flow is severely restricted. The good news is that you have a good chance of salvaging the situation before the pipe cracks. The bad news is that you’re in for some uncomfortable, chilly work rather than relaxing in front of the fireplace with a cup of coffee or cocoa. Here are some methods that will help.
- First, if you can safely get a space heater into the area where the pipe is, it will hasten the job and you’ll be more comfortable as you work. Leave the tap running slowly as you work. This will both help with the thawing process and provide a way to monitor your progress.
- Use an electric heating pad. This can be used at a low setting because you want the temperature change to be gradual to control the expansion and contraction that can cause cracks. Drape the pad across the pipe lengthways. You’ll probably have to move the pad from section to section and back again.
- Use a hair dryer. Blowing the hot air up and down the length of the pipe will heat the pipe and melt the ice which has formed.
Things to Keep in Mind
First, this might take a while. Don’t try to rush it. It helps to have someone handy to monitor the tap flow and keep you supplied with the coffee or other warm beverage of your choice that you missed. Keep some heavy sheet rubber, hose clamps, a utility knife, and a screwdriver on hand. This can make a quick fix before you can find a plumber if you happen to spring a leak during the thawing process.
