frozen pipes what to do
Many people have asked the Red Cross for information and suggestions about how to prevent water pipes in the home from freezing, and how to thaw them if they do freeze. [1]
If water starts leaking from a pipe after it gets warmer, the pipe has burst from the pressure of expanding ice. [...] Houses in colder climates are usually built to be safe from freezing pipes until temperatures sink below about 10 degrees, but in warmer climates where temperatures of 10 to 20 degrees are rare, the pipes often have less insulation and are more likely to freeze when a cold snap hits. [2]
Newspaper can provide some degree of insulation and protection to exposed pipes - even 1/4″ of newspaper can provide significant protection in areas that usually do not have frequent or prolonged temperatures below freezing. [3]
If you’re on a public water system, the main shut-off valve will usually be inside the house on the wall closest to the street near the water meter. [2]
Also, pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also subject to freezing. [1]
Do not use an open flame, an electric welder or electric heat tape. [4]
A hot water supply line can freeze just as a cold water supply line can freeze if the water is not running through the pipe and the water temperature in the pipe is cold. [3]
When the break is fixed, make sure the area around the pipe gets plenty of air circulation so that nearby insulation and other building materials have a chance to dry. [2]
Some houses built on a slab foundation rather than a basement or crawl space may have a main shut-off at the point where the water supply pipes come up through the slab. [5]
Pipe freezing is a particular problem in warmer climates where pipes often run through uninsulated or under insulated attics or crawl spaces. [1]
But when an inside meter freezes, there is a charge to the property owner, because owners are responsible for preventing frozen inside meters. [6]
Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. [3]
Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. [...] Copyright 2008 The American National Red Cross, Calhoun Branch Chapter, Battle Creek, Michigan. [1]
Sources:
[1] Calhoun Branch Red Cross Battle Creek Michigan
[2] What to do about frozen pipes | RedEye | Home
[3] American Red Cross Mount Rainier Chapter
[4] City of Cincinnati - What to Do If Pipes Freeze or Split
[5] What to do about frozen pipes — chicagotribune.com
[6] City of Cincinnati - How to Keep Pipes from Freezing