Frozen Pipes:, Everything You<br />Need to Know.<br />Unrelenting winter weather <br />has slammed dozens of<br />states across the U.S.<br />As a result, many Americans<br />are dealing with the very real and<br />dangerous risk of frozen pipes. .<br />If you suspect your pipes are frozen, there are<br />four key things you should immediately do. .<br /> 1. In order to limit<br />possible damage if a<br />pipe bursts, shut off the<br />water at the main valve. .<br />2. If you’re able to, fill your bathtub before <br />shutting the main valve off so that you <br />have water available to flush toilets. .<br />3. Turn on the bathtub<br />faucet so that when your<br />pipes do thaw, the ice has<br />room to expand and drain.<br />4. If there are any visible signs of pipe damage,<br />call a plumber and schedule an appointment. .<br />Although it’s better to allow your pipes to<br />thaw on their own, some situations may warrant<br />getting involved with these five steps. .<br />1. Leave a faucet on and<br />allow water to flow, as it will<br />help melt ice in pipes. .<br />2. Use a hair dryer, NOT<br />a blowtorch, kerosene<br />or propane heater, to<br />heat up the pipe.<br />3. Put a space heater in the room<br />where the frozen pipe is. .<br />4. Continue to warm<br />up your pipes until full<br />water pressure returns. .<br />5. Reach out to a<br />plumber if you can’t find<br />the frozen pipe or it<br />is not accessible
