Winter Woes: Dealing with Frozen Water Pipes

Wintertime can be a season of wonder and snow covered beauty. Alternatively it can also be a time of icy roads, nasty colds and the dilemma of frozen water pipes. Dealing with the latter can be a tricky situation if you are unfamiliar with basic plumbing principles. Many variables come into play as to the best method for restoring water service in the event of a freeze up.

First and foremost you should always know how to shut off the water supply to the house. Being armed with this important information can avert serious water damage should the frozen pipe burst. Many homes have a shut-off valve located near the water heater. If you are in doubt, ask your plumber, the house builder, or previous owner where it is located. It is also a good idea to know where the water meter is located as it can serve as an emergency shut-off and leak detector.

Prevention is always the best method for eliminating problems of this nature. Water pipes are usually buried below the regional frost line to avoid freezing, but sometimes this is not the case. Mobile and manufactured homes often have water lines located in unheated crawl spaces or un-insulated (or under-insulated) exterior walls and thus may be exposed to freezing temperatures. If you live in an area where colder temperatures are common, adequate trailer skirting, pipe insulation, and heat tapes should be applied anywhere the pipe is exposed to the elements.

When the service line enters through a heated basement, minimal care is needed. A layer of styrofoam or fiberglass insulation covering the water meter will help keep water from freezing in the meter. Even though all preventative measures have been employed it still may be necessary to leave a pencil-thin stream of water running (moving water is less susceptible to freezing) during extreme cold spells.

In the event of a frozen water pipe, great care should be taken to be certain the pipe has not split or cracked before attempting to thaw it out. The water supply should be shut off before attempting to unthaw and repair a broken pipe. Propane torches work well on galvanized and copper pipes, but must never be used on PVC plastic. Blow dryers and heat guns can be used for all types of piping, but use these tools wisely. Whatever the method, do not concentrate the heat on one area too long trying to thaw it out quickly, as damage to the pipe and fittings may occur. An open faucet will help you know when service has been restored.

Finding the location of a freeze can sometimes be difficult. Water will usually freeze at a point where flow is slowed or restricted. Sometimes, ice crystals will form on the outside of the pipe at the point of the freeze. Therefore check valves, fittings, and in-line components (i. e. water meter, filters, etc.) to pinpoint the location.

In most cases, repairing a broken pipe can be done by the homeowner. Know your limits. If you are not comfortable with doing the repair, call a plumber.

Once the repairs have been made and the service restored, you can check for undiscovered leaks by checking the water meter. Be sure all faucets in the house are off, then see if the pointer or low flow indicator on the water meter is moving. If it stops completely and for an extended period of time( i. e. several minutes), you may safely assume that no more leaks are present.

With a little preparation and forethought, you can maintain uninterrupted water service through the coldest winters by inspecting your water lines, eliminating any potential problems with insulation, and monitoring the weather.