How to Prevent and Fix Frozen Pipes

Don't Let Frozen Pipes Be a Drain on Your Pocketbook

Colder temperatures bring the potential of freezing pipes, and with the economy the way it is, homeowners can't afford to let frozen pipes be a drain on their pocketbook or their plumbing. Taking some simple precautions before the wintry weather hits can save homeowners the expense as well as the time of repairing burst pipes. The best way to prevent frozen pipes is to winterize your plumbing system.

By following these steps homeowners can save the money, mess and stress that frozen pipes cause:

Insulate your pipes o Cover faucets and exposed pipes with insulation or wrap thick towels around them.

Secure all basement doors, windows and crawl space openings (crawl spaces must be ventilated or it will cause mold) o This keeps cold wind away from the pipes.

Keep faucets running o A small trickle of water or a constant drip will help prevent pipes from freezing.

Open cabinet doors o This allows heat to circulate under the sink to keep interior pipes warm.

Drain outside water lines o Remove garden hoses from outdoor faucets and open the outside hose taps to allow water to drain. Locate the main water shut-off valve o Learn how to use it in case pipes freeze and burst.

Have a plumber apply electrically-powered heat tape o This should be done by a professional because it may pose a shock hazard.

If pipes freeze, follow these procedures to safely thaw them: o Turn off the water at the shut-off valve. o Open the nearest faucet - this allows water to drain out as the ice melts. o Heat the exterior of the pipe with a hair dryer - apply heat slowly and don't keep heat in one spot. o Do NOT attempt to thaw exposed frozen pipes with an open flame, such as an acetylene torch.

Call a qualified plumber if pipes burst or if immediate repairs are needed.

This article has been provided by Mr. Rooter®. Established in 1970, Mr. Rooter is an all-franchised, full-service plumbing and drain cleaning company with approximately 300 franchises worldwide. Recognized by Entrepreneur magazine among its "Franchise 500" and Franchise Times Top 200, Mr. Rooter franchisees provide services to both residential and commercial customers. Mr. Rooter began franchising in 1974 and is a subsidiary of The Dwyer Group, Inc. For more information or to find the location nearest you, please visit our Web site at www.mrrooter.com .

Article Author

We are Mr. Rooter® Plumbing and There’s a reason they call us Mr.® There is no extra charge for nights or weekends, and you know the price before any plumbing work is performed. We have 24 hour service, 7 days a week and our plumbers are clean, courteous and professional. We also guarantee our workmanship and parts. All our trucks are equipped with state of the art equipment so we can handle all your plumbing and drain cleaning needs. We look forward to welcoming you as a customer and being your preferred plumber in the future.

Other articles from this pro:

Article

Original Istock 000006327345xsmall

How to Spring Clean Without Cleaning Out Your Wallet

Mar 02, 2009 by Mr. Rooter

Deodorize Garbage Disposal with Citrus Peels

Article

Don't Flush Away Your Money

Mar 07, 2008 by Mr. Rooter

You may be flushing your money down the toilet and not even know it. Twenty percent of all toilets leak, which secretly raises homeowners’ water and wastewater bills. But other problems – like a toilet that won’t flush completely or runs continuously – aren’t secret at all. Take a whirl at inspecting your toilet. It’s more convenient and less expensive to systematically check the plumbing yourself, before you have to call in the professionals to take care of a …

Article

Don't Let Food "Reek" Havoc in the Sink

Mar 07, 2008 by Mr. Rooter

Young children often huddle under the covers in their bedrooms, certain that a monster prowls in the closet or under the bed. Most parents will open the closet door or peek under the bed to remind them that the coast is clear. But if your children accused your kitchen sink of harboring a shady presence, would you be able to deny it? Something foul may be lurking in your sink. Your garbage disposal may start to smell when food debris builds up. It may be a lingering …

Article

How to clear the way without chemical cleaners

Mar 07, 2008 by Mr. Rooter

Drains have a tendency to clog at the most inopportune times, like when you’re cooking a holiday feast for a house full of guests or when enjoying a relaxing shower, you find yourself standing in ankle-length water. But before you reach for the Drano, you should reconsider. Drano and other drain opening products are caustic and dangerous to use. These conventional drain cleaners contain the man-made chemical sodium hydroxide, which can damage the piping and finish on …

Article

Water Conservation: Every Drop Counts

Mar 07, 2008 by Mr. Rooter

Drip. Drip. Drip. Many people consider a leaky faucet a mere annoyance. But if every household in America and Canada had a faucet that dripped once each second, 928 million gallons of water a day would leak away, according to the American Water Works Association. That’s a lot, considering the AWWA predicts the average household uses approximately 146,000 gallons of water each year. But water is wasted in more ways than through a leaky faucet. Here are some …

Article

Trenchless technology keeps sewer lines out of sight, out of mind

Mar 07, 2008 by Mr. Rooter

It’s no secret that problems with your sewer line can get messy. But sewer line problems can remain your little secret even while the line from your house or building to the mainline connection is replaced. With new trenchless replacement technology, a professional plumber can repair your sewer line without extensive digging in your yard, or tearing up walkways or driveways – in one day. Trenchless technology meets all industry standards, eliminates root …

Article

7 Lessons Every Homeowner Should Learn About Plumbing

Feb 14, 2008 by Mr. Rooter

Even the most dedicated do-it-yourselfer is better off leaving plumbing to the professionals. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t know the rudiments of the subject. Here are seven tips to keep in mind, courtesy of Mr. Rooter Plumbing. Lesson No. 1: Preventative Maintenance. You no longer have to take your plumber’s word for it when he tells you your drainpipes need repair. Mr. Rooter can put a video camera down the pipes to show you just where the problem is, usually …

Article

Maintaining Healthy Plumbing

Feb 14, 2008 by Mr. Rooter

When colder weather starts hitting the air, it is time to think about preparing your home for the holidays-mulching the gardens, digging out decorations, and reviewing the condition of your plumbing system. Yes, you read that right: The last months of the year happens to be the busiest time of the year for plumbers, says Don Glovan, a Mr. Rooter owner in Asheville, North Carolina. “During holiday season, you’ll have guests in your house,” he observes. "With all the extra …

Hot Product

MATRIX-dual-flush-RGB-web-1

High Efficiency, Dual-Flush Toilets- Warehouse Sale

Jul 10, 2011 by Water Matrix

Tested to ensure optimum flushing performance, the Meridian dual-flush toilet features stylish design with the functionality of an optional 3.5 litre or 6.0 litre flush to meet the demand for reliability and water efficiency for today’s discerning homeowners. Maximize your water savings Minimize your water bill Pay only the HST

Photo Gallery

8-2

The Evolution of a Dream

Jan 13, 2012 by Dream Kitchens

Stunning all-wood dark cabinets add character and class to any kitchen. New granite countertops and hardwood floors allow the cabinets to stand-out.

Photo Gallery

Allyn-1

Etobicoke Kitchen Reno by Allyn Construction

Sep 01, 2011 by Allyn Construction Ltd.

The project’s goal was to create a larger and open concept kitchen. Beautiful kitchen cabinets, appliances, floor, lighting and painting make the kitchen a warm and inviting space that will welcome home chefs and guests alike for many years. Allyn Construction been building and renovating in the GTA since 1986 specializes in renovations and additions, offering full design/build services and more.

Hot Product

pure air

Pure Air™ System

Jun 28, 2011 by Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

The Pure Air™ system improves air quality throughout your home.

← Previous 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 118 119