Freezing pipes is a common winter plumbing problem. Frozen or burst pipes are not a simple plumbing repair, rather you could be facing hundreds of gallons of water quickly filling your basement or crawl space. Remember, both PVC and copper pipes are in danger of bursting if they freeze. You can take a few steps before the winter chill comes to ensure your pipes will be safe throughout the winter months.

1.Begin by draining all outdoor pools or water sprinkler supply lines. Removing the excess water does not give those lines the chance to freeze. Do not use antifreeze in these supply lines unless expressly instructed by the manufacturer or in the owner’s manual.

2.Move into your home and insulate pipes in crawl spaces, basement and attic. The more insulation you use, the better protection it will offer your pipes.

3.Wrap accessible pipes in heat tape. Look for tape that has been endorsed by an independent testing organization.

4.Seal leaks that let cold air into the same space as your pipes. Be especially careful around electrical wiring and dryer vents, as those are the most common places cold air can enter your home. Once you locate the leaks, use caulk or insulation to plug them. Remember, even a tiny opening can let in enough air to freeze pipes.

5.Disconnect your garden hose and use an indoor shut off valve if possible. Doing this will reduce the chance the short span of pipe connected to an outdoor spigot will freeze.

6.If you have uninsulated pipes in cabinets, i.e.: under the sink, open the cabinet doors before you go to bed at night. This allows warm air to reach those pipes.

If you are planning a trip out of town during the winter months, there are few things you can do before you leave to ensure you do not come home to a basement full of water.

1.Do not set your thermostat below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

2.Ask a friend or neighbor to stop by your home on a daily basis to ensure the house is warm enough.

3.Shut off and drain your water system before you leave. Before you complete this step, understand it will also deactivate your sprinklers.

If, despite your best efforts, your pipes still freeze you can reduce the damage caused while plumbers are on their way.

1.Turn off the water at the main shut off valve in the house, but leave your faucets on. When water begins flowing through the pipes again, running the faucet will help thaw them faster.

2.Apply a heating pad or towel soaked in warm water to the frozen pipes. You can also use a hair dryer, assuming you will not have to stand in water to operate it.

3.Never use a blowtorch to warm your pipes! Water damage is bad enough, but a blowtorch could result in a house fire. Blowtorches also increase the temperature of the water in the pipes too quickly. If the water is brought to a boil, it could burst the pipes violently and injure anyone near the pipes.

4.Apply heat until the water pressure is restored.