How to Prevent Your Pipes From Freezing

With a cold snap in the forecast, we wanted to share a few tips on preventing your pipes from freezing. As the familiar saying goes, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." When temperatures are at or under 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the water in pipes can freeze. Ice expands and causes pressure that can then cause pipes to burst. Here are a few quick steps to take to prevent this from happening at your home.

Quick Tasks to Prevent Pipes from Freezing

• Make sure your thermostat is set at a minimum of 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep this temperature setting even if you are out of town.

• Open the doors to cabinets and vanities to allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes. For the safety of children and pets, remove household chemicals, cleansers, or other dangerous items from storage under cabinets.

• Keep a slow drip of water from faucets served by pipes exposed to colder temperatures or that otherwise might be prone to freezing.

• Identify any pipes near outside walls or up in an attic and add a pipe sleeve or heat tape to help insulate them.

• Seal any cracks in doors or walls to help protect pipes and the rest of your property from cold air.

• Turn off the water supply to the outside and garage spigots and fully drain the water from them. Keep in mind that older homes may have a different protocol for this task.

If You Suspect a Pipe is Frozen…

There are some clear signs a pipe is freezing or frozen, they include:

• faucets or toilets with reduced water flow

• a frosted coating on the pipe

• odors from a drain

• a bulge in the pipe

If you notice any of these signs, here are some steps to take:

• Reduce pressure on the pipe by keeping the faucet open and the water running. This can help the ice inside of it to thaw.

• Warm up pipes by using a hair dryer or a heating pad, or carefully supervise the use of a portable space heater.

• Tour your property for other pipes that are freezing or frozen and take appropriate measures.

If your pipes do freeze, shut off your main water valve and call a licensed plumber immediately.

We here at JJM Insurance Group wish you a wonderful winter season. Send us an email or call us at 908.751.5922 for your business and personal insurance needs.