How to Protect Your Pipes from Extreme Cold in Germantown & Montgomery County

Extreme winter weather can cause many problems for homeowners here in Germantown and throughout Montgomery County. And one of the most common is also one that can easily be prevented: frozen water pipes.

As water freezes and expands, it puts pressure on the pipe causing it to bulge and potentially burst. Adding to the problem is that you might not even know you have a frozen pipe until it starts to thaw and suddenly a leak appears, one capable of gushing water into your home which, in turn, could result in extensive water damage.

That’s why water pipes located in unheated areas of your home need to be insulated.  This includes the garage, basement, crawlspace, and points where outside pipes come into your home. As further protection on severely cold days, you also can leave a trickle of water running if you think a pipe is at risk of freezing.

Unfortunately, a pipe can freeze even if you’ve taken the necessary preventative steps. So if, despite all your preparations, you discover little or no water flowing from any particular faucet in your home, take the following steps to minimize the risk of damage:

• Check other faucets in your home to see if other pipes might be affected.
• Ask your neighbors if they are experiencing problems as well, as it could be a local water main break that is causing water pressure issues.
• Assuming it’s not a neighborhood issue, affected faucets on to relieve pressure in the pipe.
• Locate and turn off the main water shut off valve.
• Try to identify the connecting pipe line to that faucet.
• If you can locate and access the frozen pipe, slowly thaw it by applying heat from a blow dryer, space heater, heating pad or electrical heat tape. Make sure you are on dry ground when using these methods.
• Once the pipe thaws, inspect it for holes and cracks, especially at the seams where pipes are most vulnerable.

And, of course, if you need professional assistance to remedy the situation, we’re here to help with everything from pipe insulation to repair and replacement.  Contact Your 1 Plumber today for the service you need, when you need it.