DIY Advisor: Prevent Frozen Pipes
A: If you're a homeowner facing harsh winters, here's a statistic that might make you shiver: A 1/8" crack in a burst pipe can spew up to 250 gallons of water a day. Here are a few tips to make sure it doesn't happen to you:
Insulate. Pipes most vulnerable to freezing often are located in crawlspaces, attics and garages. Insulate exposed pipes with pipe sleeves, heat tape or heat cable.
Circulate warm air. Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow heat to get to pipes under sinks.
Let faucets trickle. During extreme cold, allow faucets to drip overnight.
Check your temps. Make sure your thermostat is set above 55º F day and night.
Disconnect and drain. Before cold weather sets in, disconnect and store outside hoses and drain water supply lines.
What to do if pipes do freeze:
- Locate the area of the pipe you suspect is frozen. Keep the faucet open.
- Apply heat to the section of pipe with an electric hair dryer. (Be cautious of wet floors, electric shock risks and flammable materials.)
- Never attempt to thaw a pipe using a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater.
- Apply heat until water begins to flow through frozen area.
Ready to weather winter? Visit your local True Value hardware store for the latest in tools, supplies and safety gear to get it done. For even more D.I.Y. project advice, visit TrueValue.com.