This advice provided by PURE to their member policyholders:
The polar vortex caused record-breaking low temperatures this week throughout much of the U.S. With warmer temperatures this weekend, pipes that had become frozen and/or cracked will begin to thaw and could burst. Without proper attention, damaged and melted pipes could channel unwanted water into your home.
If you suspect you have a frozen pipe, call a plumber immediately or follow these tips to help thaw the pipe on your own:
- Pipes that are most likely to freeze are those located in exterior walls or where your water enters your home through its foundation.
- Turn the faucet(s) on halfway to begin. As you treat the frozen pipe, the ice will begin to melt and you will notice water flowing more freely from the faucet. Once water is flowing, open the faucet all the way. This steady approach will help to prevent water from gushing.
- Apply heat to the frozen section of the pipe by wrapping it with a heating pad, or using a hair dryer or portable space heater on it. Apply the heat until full water pressure is restored. (Never leave portable heating sources unattended.)
- If you are unable to locate the frozen area of the pipe, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber immediately.
- Check all other faucets in your home to identify others that may have frozen. If one pipe freezes, it’s likely others may have as well.
One Response
How timely!! In fact, I DID have TWO burst pipes last Wednesday night. Thank goodness I had to wash some clothes b/c at 10:00pm I went downstairs to my lower level family room to throw in a load of laundry I found water gushing from under the door to the powder room (which we use as a closet) – exterior wall / foundation.
You know, I’ve worked in Insurance since 1976 and homeowner claims are obviously a big part of what we do, but it’s always been academic for me until 1/8. It was freaking AWFUL – so I can’t imagine a fire or losing a house to a tornado. I’ll give you a call later.