Before Thawing

• When water freezes, it expands, which can create pressure inside your pipes. This pressure can result in cracked or burst pipes. The first step, when your pipes freeze, is to open the faucets in each room to determine where the pipes are frozen. Taps that do not run indicate that the freezing is between those faucets and where they join to the water supply. Turn off the main water supply to your home and then flush the toilet and open all cold water taps to drain the water lines. This relieves pressure in the lines as well, preventing a burst or damaged pipe.

Thawing Your Pipes

• Inspect the pipes for signs of breakage or leaks. If there is damage or a burst pipe, contact a plumber. If there are no signs of damage or leaks, you may proceed with thawing the pipes yourself. Begin thawing your pipes as close to the faucets as you can. Use a hair dryer set on low heat, a warm towel or a hot water bottle and thaw the pipes slowly, working your way toward the coldest section of pipe. When finished, inspect the pipes once more to ensure there is still no damage.

• After Thawing

  • Test your pipes to ensure that they've been thawed by first closing all of the open taps. When you turn your main water supply back on, do so slowly. Turn on each cold water tap to make sure water is running. If the water is trickling out, it means the line is beginning to thaw. The tap should remain on until a steady flow of water runs to indicate the pipe is fully thawed.

  Prevention

  • Frozen cold water pipes are preventable and require only a few minor precautions. A crucial step in prevention is to insulate pipes in crawl spaces, attics and those adjacent to exterior walls. These exposed pipes are most vulnerable to freezing and can be covered with insulating foam or tape. Some pipes, such as those under sinks and behind cabinets, don't get the required heat to prevent freezing, so during cold weather it helps to open cabinet doors to allow heat to reach these pipes. Inspect your home for leaks that may allow cold air to pass near pipes and seal these areas with caulk or insulation. Typically cold air leaks are found around wiring, dryer vents and drain or exhaust pipes. Before the cold weather arrives, you should also disconnect garden hoses and rain the water from exterior faucets.