Preventing Frozen Pipes
Pipes that freeze most often are those that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose faucets, and water supply lines in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets.  Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also subject to freezing.

During cold weather take preventative action by:

1.  Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.

2.  Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.

3.  Let the water drip from the faucet served by the exposed pipes.  Running water through the pipe-even a trickle- helps prevent pipes from freezing.

4.  Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night.  By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.  If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55 degrees.

To Thaw Frozen Pipes

1.  Turn the main water valve off and keep the faucet open.  As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area.  Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.

2.  Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater, or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water.  Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene, or propane heater, charcoal stove or other open flame device.

3.  Apply heat until full water pressure is restored.  If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you can not thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.

If a Pipe Bursts

Turn the main water valve off and call a plumber.  If there is a lot of water damage, contact us immediately to submit a claim and try to prevent further damages.  You could also contact a restoration company that will help dry things out such as:

Duraclean:  800-368-5368

Mammoth: 888-495-5211

Serv-Pro: 570-523-3300

Service Master: 814-231-0812