Water expands as it freezes, and the expansion puts tremendous pressure on plastic or metal pipes, which can cause them to break. Pipes that freeze most frequently are:
Supply lines in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages or kitchen cabinets
Uninsulated pipes against exterior walls
Outdoor hose bibs
Swimming pool supply lines
Water sprinkler lines
Protection from freezing
Before the onset of cold weather, protect your pipes by:
Adding insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces
Insulating exposed hot and cold water pipes with a "pipe sleeve" or UL-listed "heat tape" or "heat cable"
Drain water from swimming pools and water sprinkler supply lines
Remove, drain and store outdoor hoses
Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs and open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain
Prevention tips
During cold weather, take precautions to keep cold from reaching hot and cold water pipes by:
Keeping garage doors closed if water supply lines are in the garage
Opening kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing
Letting cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes
Keeping the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night
Leaving the heat on in your home if you will not be home and set it to a temperature no lower than 55° F
Thawing frozen pipes
If you suspect a frozen pipe, keep the faucet open
Using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer or a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), apply heat to the pipe
Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove or other open flame device
Apply heat until full water pressure is restored.
If the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber
Note that if one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too
