Winter plumbing emergencies: prevention and what to do

Filed under Winter Plumbing · By Michael and the team at The Irish Plumber

The winter problems we see most

• Frozen pipes in exterior walls, crawl spaces, garages and over unheated spaces
• Burst pipes when frozen water expands and splits the pipe, often found only when it thaws
• Frozen outdoor taps that weren't shut off and drained
• Frozen sump discharge lines, so the pump runs but can't empty the pit
• Water heaters failing under the heaviest load of the year

Prevention checklist

• Shut off and drain outdoor taps from inside, or install frost-free hose bibs
• Insulate pipes in exterior walls, crawl spaces and unheated areas
• Seal drafts around pipes where they pass through outside walls
• Keep the heat at a steady temperature, including when you travel
• Open cabinet doors under sinks on outside walls during cold snaps
• On the coldest nights, let a tap on an outside wall run at a slow trickle
• Know where your main water shut-off is, and test it

If a pipe freezes

1. Turn off the water to that line, or the main.
2. Open the tap it feeds.
3. Warm the pipe gently with a hair dryer, space heater or warm towels. Never use an open flame.
4. Watch for leaks as it thaws.

If a pipe bursts

1. Shut off the main water immediately.
2. Turn off power to any wet area.
3. Open low taps to drain the system.
4. Move belongings, take photos, and call a plumber.

After the repair, find out why it froze. A pipe that froze once will freeze again unless it's insulated or rerouted.