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.

For other helpful water and energy tips videos click here.