What To Do If A Pipe Freezes

One of the most common problems that homeowners face this time of year is frozen water pipes. If you know of anyone that is in this predicament right now like I do, be sure to pass along this information to safely get their pipes thawed:

What should you do if a water pipe freezes?

You should make sure it never happens again! When the water freezes, it tries to expand inside the pipe. It pushes against the sides of the pipe, as well as any nearby valves, seams, and faucets. The freezing action of the water is more than capable of rupturing any pipe.

Unfortunately, a water pipe may freeze even if you have taken precautions. Whatever the cause, it's important that you thaw out your pipe for two reasons:

1. You almost certainly need the water.

2. You should be at home when the pipe thaws, just in case the pipe and/or joint is ruptured.

Bear in mind that a frozen pipe doesn't leak—the water is ice. You'll discover you have a leak only after the ice melts. If you're not home, a ruptured pipe can cause a great deal of damage.

Here are some methods to thaw out frozen pipes:

CAUTION!: Before you try any of these methods, first open the faucet the frozen pipe supplies. The steam you create while heating the pipe can burst the pipe if it doesn't have an escape.

Method #1: Use electric heat tape on the pipe, and wait for it to thaw out. This is a good method to use because it slowly thaws the pipe, which means it reduces wear and tear on the pipe itself.

CAUTION!: Remember to use only heat tape certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory for use with mobile homes. Be careful never to wrap the heat tape back over itself. This could cause the heat tape to overheat and start a fire.

Method #2: Wrap the pipe with several layers of cloth or toweling and pour hot water over the cloth/toweling. Repeat several times until the pipe is unfrozen.

Method #3: Direct a heat lamp on the pipe itself. Place the lamp at least a foot away from the pipe. Cover adjacent areas with a layer of aluminum foil so the heat does not scorch these materials. Make sure the heat lamp is on dry ground. Even better, plug it into a ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet.

CAUTION!: Do not use any direct heating method if the frozen pipe is next to a gas pipe! Call a professional for help.

Method #4: Hold a hand-operated hairdryer to the pipe, and slowly move up and down the length of the frozen section. Make sure you are standing on dry ground. Because you are working this close to water, plug the dryer into a GFCI protected outlet.

You will know the pipe is thawed out when water starts to trickle out of the open faucet. Let the water run for a while to completely clear the pipe. Then, close the faucet and check for leaks.

CAUTION!: Do not use a propane torch to thaw out frozen pipes. Do not use a propane torch even if it has a fire spreader attachment. This is not only a fire hazard, but it's also a quick way to destroy your plastic plumbing pipes.

We want you to be safe in your home and prevention is the key.

Furnace Safety Tips

If you smell gas, get everyone out. Use your neighbor's phone to call a qualified repair person or the gas company immediately. If possible, shut off the gas main from outside the home.

Caution: Never attempt to repair gas lines yourself.

• Clean or change furnace filters regularly.

  Replace disposable filters. Wash, brush or vacuum permanent filters.

• Check the exhaust vent from the furnace.

  Clear obstructions such as leaves or animal nests from the vent pipe. Keep roof exhaust vents clear of snow.

• Inspect the blower motor with the power off.

  Vacuum any accumulated dirt. If the owner's manual calls for it, oil the motor. Inspect the V-belt and pulleys for wear. Tighten the belt if it moves more than an inch when you push it.

• Check air intake.

  Most mobile home furnaces draw combustion air from beneath the home. To allow air to pass freely beneath the home, the skirting should have four to six vents.

• Replace carpeting in the furnace compartment with sheet metal or other fireproof material.

  Newer home furnaces have wire mesh in front of the stack to prevent storage on top of the furnace. If this mesh is missing, replace it.

• Be sure the thermostat on your furnace is in good working condition by keeping it clean.

  Have it checked periodically by a heating professional.

• Clean out debris in the furnace area.

  Never use your furnace closet for storage or drying clothes.

• Check the flue assembly (when cool) for alignment and rigidity.

  The flue should run in a straight line from the top of the furnace through the ceiling. Be sure the flue is attached to the furnace collar. Check for loose wiring near the flue. If you find any, move it and secure it well away from the flue pipe.

• Keep the flue pipe free of excessive deposits of carbon.

  Have your furnace maintenance person check and clean the flue pipe, fuel lines, safety controls, and burner before each heating season.