Rhode Island winters are no joke — and frozen pipes are one of the most common (and expensive) plumbing emergencies we see every year. A burst pipe can cause thousands of dollars in water damage in minutes.
The good news? Most frozen pipe situations are preventable. Here are Anne’s top tips for keeping your pipes safe when the temperature drops.
Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes
1. Seal Air Leaks Near Pipes
Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes — then seal them with caulk or insulation. With severe cold, even a tiny opening can let in enough cold air to cause a pipe to freeze.
2. Let Faucets Drip
Open your faucets and let both hot and cold water trickle overnight and throughout the day. That small flow of water can be all you need to prevent freezing.
3. Keep Your Thermostat Consistent
Set your thermostat to the same temperature day and night. Turning the heat down when you’re asleep might save a few dollars, but a sudden overnight temperature drop can freeze your pipes — and that repair costs a lot more.
4. Open Cabinet Doors
Open cabinet doors under sinks and near exterior walls to let warm air reach un-insulated pipes. This is especially important for kitchen and bathroom plumbing on outside walls.
5. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Pipes in crawl spaces, attics, and basements are most susceptible to freezing. Insulate them with pipe sleeves or heat tape — even if you think your climate is mild. The more insulation, the better protected your pipes will be.
6. Winterize Outdoor Faucets
Before winter hits, disconnect garden hoses and use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This prevents freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house.
If Your Pipes Do Burst
Know where your main shut-off valve is. Make sure every family member in the house knows its location and can open and close it. When a pipe bursts, shutting off the water supply immediately is the single most important thing you can do to limit damage.
Then call us. Anne the Plumber offers emergency plumbing service — we’ll get to you fast.
Need Help With Frozen or Burst Pipes?
If your pipes have already frozen or burst, don’t wait. Call (401) 430-0532 or request service online. We serve Woonsocket and northern Rhode Island.