Avoiding a plumbing nightmare: frozen pipes

Living in the gorgeous state of Pennsylvania, we get to experience all four seasons. That also means our pipes go through lots of weather changes, and it’s important to take care of them in the colder months to avoid frozen pipes. 

Preventing Frozen Pipes

Did you know that for uninsulated pipes to freeze, the temperature outside needs to be at least 20 degrees Fahrenheit? This minimum temperature alert threshold was determined by researchers at the Building Research Council at the University of Illinois, however, other factors can still make your pipes susceptible to freezing even if it isn’t necessarily 20 degrees outside. Maybe the wind is strong one evening, or certain pipes run close to a crack in your foundation. Whatever the circumstances, we shouldn’t just hold our breath and hope the temperature doesn’t get too cold, instead we can:

• Know how to shut off your water supply - this little bit of knowledge can save you a whole lot of mopping - in the case that you need to turn it off, you should know how to immediately
• Insulate pipes
• Keep garage doors closed and crawl spaces sealed
• Set the thermostat to at least 55 degrees when away from home
• Keep doors open so warm air circulates through the home
• Let the faucet drip 
• Install heating tape
• Get regular inspections from a trusted plumber to spot any weak areas

The Signs of a Frozen Pipe

A frozen pipe doesn’t necessarily mean a burst one. When the temperature begins to near 20 degrees outside, make the effort to check on your pipes while you still have room to avoid a disaster. Here is what to look out for:

• Frost on the outside of pipes
• Low water pressure, or no running water at all

What To Do with a Frozen Pipe

A frozen pipe can easily become a burst pipe if not handled properly. NEVER use a blow torch or direct flame to thaw a frozen pipe. Instead, follow these steps, and prepare for the unexpected: 

• Shut off your main water supply
• Use a space heater or hair dryer to thaw the pipes

Sometimes, it may be a pipe located in your walls that is frozen, but you still have low or no water pressure. In this case, turning up your thermostat may help thaw them out.

How Edwards Plumbing can Help

Sometimes you can know all the information and mother nature can still surprise you with a cold snap. With our 20 years of plumbing experience, we're proud to serve East Stroudsburg, PA and the surrounding Poconos area. We are dedicated to keeping your home safe. 

When you need immediate help, you need someone you can trust to do the job!