Inside the Home

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• Be prepared for any emergency by locating all shut-off valves, especially your main water shut-off

• Thermostats should be set at or above 55 degrees during cold weather

• On the farthest faucet from your main water supply valve, be sure to let water drip. This will keep water moving through your pipes and prevent freezing

• Insulate pipes in unheated areas, like attics, basements or crawl spaces

• Open cabinets in the kitchen and bathrooms to warm pipes

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Outside the Home

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• Open the outside spigots to allow to drain water out. Disconnect water hoses to store away for winter then insulate or cover your spigot

• Close vents to crawl spaces where pipes run under your home. If you do have pipes close to an exterior wall, insulate them or place a pipe sleeve on them.

• Make sure your attic insulation is good and in place.

• Insulate your well house or place an incandescent light bulb or low-watt heat lamp near the pump inside. 

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How to Thaw Frozen Pipes

 

If you suspect you may have frozen pipes or have areas you can't easily access, you can always call us at 3rd Rock Plumbing to inspect the plumbing inside and outside your home.

 

But first, you can try these steps:

• You'll want to turn off the water immediately at the main shut-off valve

• Using a hair dryer, direct heat to the area of frozen pipe, being careful around any flammable materials. NOTE: do not use any open-flame tool on the pipes

• Once pipes are thawed, turn water back on at the main shut off

• Check all pipes and joints for leaks or splits in the pipe. Freezing water expands, so often you'll find narrow splits or cracks

• Dripping or pools of water from pipes means you may have an issue. 

• Next, if all looks well, turn faucets on with a slow, steady flow of water for a while, which can also help melt frozen pipes

• Don't forget to check pipes that are located along an exterior wall or those that deliver water into your home or business at the foundation

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Frozen Meters / Well Pumps

 

• Report your frozen meter to your utility company's or city's emergency number. 

• Do not try to thaw your water meter 

• It is the responsibility of your water utility provider to replace outside water meters

• NOTE: Water lines between the meter and your home or business is your responsibility to have repaired.

• Call a well specialist if you find your well pump has frozen up. Keep your well house well insulated, perhaps with a light or heat lamp.

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