Prevent Freezing and Bursting Pipes in Indiana

With news of a major storm and MASSIVE freeze here in Hamilton County, Indiana, many homeowners are scrambling for insulation and space heaters, but some of the most important areas to examine in the home are the plumbing pipes.

Here are a few steps you can take to protect your home from freezing pipes during a major storm and freeze:

1. Keep your thermostat set to the same temperature both day and night. This will help to maintain a consistent temperature inside your home, which can help to prevent your pipes from freezing.
2. Leave cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around your pipes. This is especially important for pipes that are located in unheated areas of your home, such as basements, crawl spaces, and attics
3. Allow a slow trickle of water to flow from your faucets. This will help to keep the water moving through your pipes, which can help to prevent them from freezing.
4. Insulate your pipes with insulation sleeves or wrapping. This will help to keep the heat in your pipes and prevent them from freezing.
5. Keep your garage doors closed if you have water supply lines in your garage. This will help to keep the temperature inside your garage above freezing, which can help to prevent your pipes from freezing.
6. If you have an irrigation system, drain it completely and shut off the water supply to it.

If you do end up with frozen pipes, it’s important to act quickly to thaw them out and prevent them from bursting. To thaw out frozen pipes, start by turning on the faucet and applying heat to the section of the pipe that is frozen. You can use a hair dryer, heat lamp, or heating pad to apply heat to the pipe. Do not use an open flame, such as a blowtorch, to thaw out frozen pipes. If you are unable to locate the frozen section of the pipe or if the frozen pipe is not easily accessible, it’s best to call a professional plumber for assistance.

Winterizing your home for a storm typically means ensuring both the outside and inside is sound. It may be best to work with a home restoration and repair company that can help to address any concerns present. If there are concerns regarding frozen pipes, now is the time to call a restoration company to ensure no further damage is done.

If you have concerns regarding frozen pipes in your home, be sure to call or email us directly: