Preventing Frozen Pipes

Before it gets cold, be sure to:

1. Insulate pipes in your home's crawl spaces and attic. These exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing. Remember, the more insulation you use, the better protected your pipes will be.
2. Pipes can be wrapped in old towels or with thermostatically-controlled heat cables. Be sure to use products approved and only for the use intended, (exterior or interior). Closely follow all manufacturers' installation and operation instructions.
3. Stop leaks or repair leaks that allow cold air inside near where pipes are located. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents and pipes. Use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out and the heat in. With severe cold, a tiny opening can let in enough cold air to cause a pipe to freeze.
4. Cover vents at the foundation of your house. Towels or cardboard can be placed in from of the vents to prevent cold air from getting in.
5. Make sure there is heat in your crawl space and attic.
6. Disconnect garden hoses. If practical, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from the pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of the pipe just inside the house.

If your pipes do freeze don’t panic. You can still thaw them if you act quickly. First shut off water to the pipe and open the fixtures that are closest to the froze pipe so it can drain as it thaws. Use one of these methods if the pipe is exposed: a hair dryer starting closest to the fixtures and slowly thaw the pipe, or wrap a heating pad around the pipe and let it thaw. If the pipe is unexposed pose a heat lamp to shine on it far enough away to not cause damage but close enough to heat the obstruction and the pipe.

• If you are having Sump Pump Issues First check to make sure that the pump is plugged in. Then verify that there is power at the pump. Reset the breaker. If the lid can be removed make sure that the float is not obstructed. If the pump is running but water is not being discharged check for obstructions outside the home.