Winter means cold weather, and it can mean frozen water pipes. If you are cold, your house is probably cold too - especially any non-heated water pipes - like those running to an outside faucet or across the ceiling in an attic. The Home Depot's Scott Krueger and Joe Autry explain the best way to prevent frozen pipes and the safest way to thaw them out.
Insulation around the water pipes will help. But as the temperatures get colder and stay colder, the water can freeze inside exposed pipes. As the water freezes, it expands - and that causes the pipe to split or break. When the water thaws (as the ambient temperature rises) you have a major clean-up and repair project.
Homeowners can use an automatic electric heat cable kit that is designed for use on metal and plastic water pipes. The kit comes pre-assembled for easy installation and has a built-in thermostat. The plug has a power indicator light to you know that it is working. Best of all, it keeps water flowing when the temperature falls well below freezing!
Installation is easy: you need to know the length of the exposed pipe and have an electrical outlet accessible. As always, follow the manufacturer's instructions. One final tip: NEVER cross the heat cable over itself - always apply in a forward direction.
Most leaks occur at pipe fittings. More serious fractures can occur in other locations and often result from corrosion, dents or freezing. Temporary fixes generally involve using epoxy patches or clamps. Permanent repairs usually involve repair or compression couplings, or replacement of the damaged fitting or pipe section altogether. This guide will help you make quick fixes in the event of an emergency.
IMPORTANT: Never leave a temporary fix installed behind a permanent wall. Remember, quick fixes are only temporary solutions and you should repair a leak properly as soon as possible.
To read more about emergency pip repairs, click here.
