Cold winter temperatures can cause water pipes to freeze and burst. Although frozen water pipes aren’t a life threatening situation, they can cause extensive damage to homes when the water in the pipes thaws and sprays through the cracks caused by the ice. Another possible result of frozen pipes is fire, which occurs when propane torches are used to thaw pipes near wall studs, paneling, cabinet and other flammable materials.
The best defense against water and fire damage due to frozen pipes is to reduce your risk of having frozen pipes in the first place. So, before extremely cold temperatures set in, insulate pipes and faucets in unheated areas such as outside walls, garages, or crawl spaces by wrapping them with insulation specifically designed for this use.
Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses. If left attached, the water, when it freezes, can damage even frost-proof spigots. If you have an older spigot that is not frost proof, shut the water supply off to that spigot and open it to drain any water inside it. Seal access doors, air vents and cracks. Winter winds can quickly freeze exposed water pipes. Do not seal air vents that your furnace and water heater need for proper combustion.
If you leave your home for an extended period, make sure your thermostat is set no lower than 55° F and have someone check your house daily to make sure your heat is on or shut off. If no one is available to check your home, drain the water system (except interior sprinkler systems) until you return. Have your plumber’s phone number handy in the event that you need to reach him/her while you are away.
If your pipes freeze and you think you know where the freeze has occurred and want to thaw it yourself, do not, under any circumstance, warm the pipe with a torch and risk starting a fire. Consult a plumber to assist you and call your insurance agent.
Make sure you and your family members know how to shut off the water supply in the event that you have a pipe freeze, burst and thaw. Stopping the flow of water immediately can minimize the damage to your home. Remember to always be aware of the potential for electric shock in and around standing water.
Author: Fire Marshal Alan Perkins, CFPS, Washington Township Fire Department, Dublin, Ohio. For more information, contact: Leslie Dybiec, Public Information Officer Phone: (614) 652-3928 Fax: (614) 766-2507 or ldybiec@wtwp.com.
Live Safe Foundation is an Ohio based non-profit organization (501c3), and leading grassroots movement, devoted to making fire safety education, awareness initiatives and life saving tools available on a broad basis to communities, campuses, and institutions in an effort to reduce national fire fatalities and fire losses. Live Safe aims to help finance fire safety education where means are otherwise unavailable. Live Safe is developing and sponsoring programs to help groups find the resources needed to advance individual and community fire safety.
Tags: cold temperatures, fire, thermostat, water pipes, winter
