As Winter Weather Creeps In, Aqua PA Offers Tips For Preventing Frozen Pipes

With temperatures dropping as we dive deeper into winter, Aqua PA is offering up some tips on how to prevent frozen pipes this winter.

Without taking proper caution, water can freeze in pipes. The water then expands in the pipe and can cause ruptures in the pipe, potentially creating disaster situations in your home.

Check out these tips from Aqua to prevent frozen pipes:

1. Insulate Pipes – Insulate pipes located against exterior walls in unheated areas of your home like basements and crawl spaces. Use heat tape or pipe insulation found at most hardware or home improvement stores.
2. Open Cabinet Doors – Allow the warmth inside your house to surround your pipes in extreme cold.
3. Remove Hoses – Exterior faucets and hoses are first to freeze. Remove outdoor hoses before the cold weather sets in.
4. Keep Water Running – If it’s 10 degrees or colder, leave a thin stream of water running from the tap farthest from the water meter.
5. Eliminate Drafts – Repair broken or cracked basement windows and close them tightly. Close o crawl space vents and doors too.
6. Check Water Meters – Make sure the lid is not broken or missing. Pack the pit with insulating material or an old blanket.
7. Thaw Pipes – If a pipe freezes and you can locate the frozen section, use a hair dryer to thaw the area. Hold it six inches away and move it back and forth. If this doesn’t work, call a plumber.

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