Tips & Tricks for Frozen Pipes

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Use these tips & tricks from Beverly Fire Chief Peter O'Connor and Department of Public Services Commissioner Mike Collins until you can call a plumber

DO

- Locate the area of the water pipe that might be frozen. The most likely places are pipes running against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home. 

- Check to see if there is an active leak | Shut off water. If there is an active leak or burst pipe, it is important to stop the flow of water. If the shutoff is accessible, shut off the flow of water. Always be aware of the dangers of water through electrical fixtures and water-soaked plaster or drywall. As a ceiling soaks up water there is a risk that the sheetrock will fall from the ceiling. If you have an active leak that you cannot find or are unable to control the flow of water or the water is infiltrating electrical fixtures, call the Fire Department (978-922-2424).

- Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt more ice in the pipe.

- Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, or wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.

- Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.

- Be careful using space heaters to warm up areas near pipes. Don’t overload circuits. Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets. Try not to use extension cords but if you must, make sure it is rated for the appliance, and only use one. Heat producing appliances need stronger extension cords than lamps.

- Check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms throughout the house.

DO NOT

- Do not leave the door of a gas oven open; it will produce large amounts of carbon monoxide.

- Do not use a blowtorch, heat gun, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame devices. A blowtorch can make water in a frozen pipe boil and cause the pipe to explode. All open flames in homes present a serious fire danger, as well as a severe risk of exposure to lethal carbon monoxide.

Protect Sprinklers Systems

In order to protect sprinkler systems, check on your building during to the cold snap, especially if you don’t have a low temperature alarm. Make sure that all portions of the building remain heated to at least 40°F and not exposed to freezing conditions. Setting the thermostat higher at least 50-60 °F during this cold snap will help make sure pipes in concealed areas stay warm.