Key ways to prevent water damage from frozen pipes

When the temperature falls to 0º C or below, you can prevent water damage from freezing pipes by taking a few simple steps.

1. Keep the thermostat at 18ºC or above, day and night. Make sure all inside doors are open, so warm air can easily circulate.

2. Drain and shut off any water supply to the outside. Install frost-proof spigots or protect them from freezing with faucet insulators

3. Add insulation to outside walls that contain pipes. If you see moisture or mold, or your walls feel cold to the touch, consider reinsulating or using spray foam to add protection.

4. Use snap-on insulation for pipes in unheated areas. You can also use heated plumbing tape or cable that automatically turns on when temperatures approach freezing.

5. Install smart technology, such as low temperature sensors, “smart” thermostats, back-up generators, and water leak detection systems.

If you think your pipes are frozen:

1. Keep the faucet open, with both cold and hot water running, to slowly unfreeze the pipes.

2. Turn your thermostat up, to increase the warmth of the surrounding air.

3. Contact a licensed plumber if you are not certain where the freeze is, because you may cause the pipe to burst if you’re not concentrating on the right area.

If a water pipe bursts:

1. Turn off the water leading to the pipe, to prevent additional water from flowing and damaging your home.

2. Contact a licensed plumber to fix the problem.