Big Chill Is Here: How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

PHOTO of frozen pipe from Patch archive

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ARLINGTON, VA -- Wind chill values could plummet to a bone-chilling -3 in Northern Virginia on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.

With freezing temperatures here, State Farm is offering some tips to make sure frozen pipes won’t ruin your home. A frozen pipe can cause thousands of dollars of damage in a short period of time.

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To keep your home safe, State Farm® recommends the following:

• Allow a slow drip from hot and cold faucets. This will relieve pressure on the system and allow water to circulate.
• Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to pipes.
• Set your thermostat no lower than 55 degrees.
• Consider a leak alarm or automatic water shutoff system.

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There are instances where a pipe will freeze without breaking. If you turn on your faucets and nothing comes out:

• Leave the faucets turned on and call a plumber.
• Do not use electrical appliances in areas of standing water: You could be electrocuted.
• Never try to thaw a pipe with a torch or other open flame because it could cause a fire hazard. Water damage is preferable to burning down your house!
• You may be able to thaw a frozen pipe with the warm air from a hair dryer. Start by warming the pipe as close to the faucet as possible, working toward the coldest section of pipe.

If your water pipes have already burst, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve in the house; leave the water faucets turned on. Make sure everyone in your family knows where the water shutoff valve is and how to open and close it.