Frozen Water Pipe Prevention Tips

We all know it can get downright cold here in Michigan and our winters can be long ones.

One of the biggest worries for Michiganders during an extended cold spell is losing heat in their home, which, as you know, substantially increases the risk of having water pipes freeze—and even burst.

Avoiding Frozen Pipes

A burst pipe can cause lots of trouble—and be very expensive to repair. With that in mind, here are some tips to help you avoid this serious problem.

• if you’re going away, shut off the main water valve; this will minimize damage if a pipe breaks.
• leave your thermostat set no lower than 60° F if you plan to be away from home during the winter; keep it a little higher if temperatures are forecasted to be especially frigid when your home is vacant.
• plug or caulk holes that allow water lines to be exposed to cold air.
• open kitchen cabinet doors, allowing heat into areas where water pipes may be located.
• check in and around your home for water lines in colder or unheated areas. Insulate both cold and hot water lines in areas such as your garage, crawl spaces and your attic.
• consider a heated cable or electric heat tape if the area remains cold and can’t be easily warmed up.
• if the cold weather is sustained or severe, allow a small trickle of warm and cold water through the faucet.

What To Do If Your Water Pipes Freeze

• Leave the water faucet slightly open.
• Use a hair dryer or space heater to thaw the frozen section of the pipe; never use a device with an open flame.
• Keep the area as warm as possible, or wrap pipes with thermostatically controlled heat tape to keep pipes from freezing again.
• Call a plumber immediately if you see any water coming from the pipe.

Your Michigan heating oil company is committed to your comfort, especially during severe winter weather. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your heating oil service provider so they can help to keep you stay safe and warm.

And if you’re worried that your old oil boiler or oil furnace is not up to the task of keeping your home warm for another winter, check out the current equipment rebates that are available for new oilheating systems.