Frozen pipes are every homeowner’s nightmare. How to prevent that from happening...

Frozen pipes are one of the most common causes of property damage during the winter months. 

Any pipe that runs against an exterior wall is at risk. Here is some advice from the American Red Cross to prevent your pipes from freezing:

* Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.

* Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. 

* Let the cold water drip from a faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe—even at a trickle—helps prevent pipes from freezing.

* Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night.

* If you plan to be away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

* For the long term, add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. 

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, your pipes could be frozen. Here’s what you do: 

Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe, water will begin to flow through and will help melt ice.

* Check the other faucets in your home. If one freezes, others may too.

* Apply heat to the froze pipe using a heating pad, hair dryer,or towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, or any other open flame.

* If you can’t find or reach the frozen area, call a licensed plumber.