Frozen Pipes

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

When temperatures drop, it is important to take precautionary measures to keep your water pipes from freezing. Frozen pipes can burst at their weakest point. Here are a few ways to protect your home or business from the effects of freezing temperatures.

1. Protect Your Water Meter from icy drafts and freezing temperatures. Most frozen meters are caused by drafts from an open basement door or window. Double-check your property as the cold weather sets in.
2. Keep Cabinet Doors Open during cold spells to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
3. If Your Pipes Freeze, use a hair dryer to thaw lines. It may not be fast, but it will be safe. NEVER USE AN OPEN FLAME TO THAW PIPES.
4. Insulate Pipes in unheated spaces like basements, crawl spaces, and garages.
5. Allow a Slow Trickle of Water to flow through faucets connected to water pipes that run through unheated spaces.
6. Locate the Main Water Shutoff Valve in your home and learn how to turn it off. If a water pipe bursts, shutting your home’s main valve quickly will minimize the damage.
7. Seal Openings in the Basement Foundation where cold air may enter. Block holes and check for open windows, air vents, and drafts near water pipes. A tiny opening may cause exposed pipes to freeze.

When pipes are frozen, there is often water available in at least one faucet. If there is no water coming through any of your taps, the problem may be in the pipes in your yard or street. At that point you should call Amesbury Water Department at 978-388-0853.