Frozen Water Pipes

Frozen water pipes can be costly.  Many states are in a deep freeze right now.  Here are some tips to help you possibly get them thawed out before they rupture as when water freezes, it expands and pipes can burst.  First – NEVER use a torch, which can be dangerous and poses a fire risk.   You can use space heaters, heat lamps or a hair dryer to thaw the frozen length of pipe, all under supervision.  You should never leave space heaters or heat lamps unattended.  Wrapping the frozen section of pipe with thermostatically controlled heat tape is also an effective way to quickly thaw a frozen spot.  You can purchase heat tape in different lengths.  Remember, to avoid having your water pipes freeze there are some simple things you can do.  Leave kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open to allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes.  Leave the water running through the pipe at a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing.  Turn your home temperature a few degrees higher during extremely cold weather and keep it at that same temp day and night until the freezing weather subsides.  Keep your garage doors closed if you have supply lines in the garage.  You can insulate exposed pipes with the cheapest of materials such as newspapers until you can get to the hardware store.  De Hart Plumbing, serving Manhattan Kansas, Junction City Kansas and Wamego Kansas.