Winter time is a wonderful time of year. There’s snow, holidays, and plenty of family time. However, in some states winter brings with it below-freezing temperatures and potential damages to your property and your house.

Now, we know that it rarely snows in Louisiana, but during the winter months, the temperatures can get down to freezing. Because of this, it is important to know how to protect your home from freezing pipes.

Below, we will break down eight tips and tricks to help your pipes outlast the Louisiana winter temperatures.

1. Any hoses that you use on your property should be drained and stored inside. The inside water valves should be closed, while the outside water valves should stay open so that the water can continue to drain through them. 
2. Drain your sprinkler lines, and be sure to avoid adding any antifreeze. Antifreeze is dangerous for the environment, as well as dangerous for humans and animals. Always follow the directions provided by your sprinkler’s manufacturer when draining.
3. Look at the unheated areas of your house and locate the various water supply lines. Insulate these pipes. You can insulate your pipes by wrapping them in rubber, fiberglass, or foam sleeves. If you do not have access to these materials, a newspaper or household rags will work fine. After you wrap the pipes in at least an inch of whatever material you choose, cover them with tin foil or plastic wrap, so they remain dry.
4. When temperatures drop, you should let the cold water continue to drip from the faucets that are connected to the pipes that are exposed to the cold weather.
5. If your home has an attic, add insulation to keep it at a warmer temperature.
6. If your home has a garage, keep it closed during the winter.
7. In your kitchen and bathroom, open the cabinet doors and let the warm air circulate throughout the house.
8. Run your heater and set it to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit if you are planning to go away during the winter.

Sometimes after completing all of these tasks your pipes still manage to freeze in the cold weather. If your pipes continue to freeze, below you’ll find some other strategies you can try.

3 Tips to Thaw Frozen Pipes

Keep your faucet open

Make sure to keep the faucet open. Eventually, the frozen area of the pipe will begin to melt and the water will begin to flow again. This will help the ice melt.

Apply heat

If a section of the pipe continues to stay frozen, apply heat to the affected area. You can use hot towels, a hair dryer, a small space heater, or an electric heating pad.

However, do not use any open flame device on the frozen pipe. Open flame devices include kerosene, propane, a blowtorch, or a charcoal stove.

Continue to apply the heat until the water pressure goes back to normal. Call a plumber if the frozen area is not accessible, or if it is a mystery as to where the frozen section of the pipe is located. 

Check other faucets

If you have one pipe in your house freeze, it is important to check the other faucets on the property to make sure they are not also frozen.

Read also: 5 Plumbing Tips for The Holidays

Sometimes after taking all of the precautions, you might still run into frozen pipes and plumbing troubles. If you are local to Lafayette, Louisiana, Facets of Lafayette can help with all of your plumbing supply, lighting, hardware, and home appliance needs.

Feel free to visit our showroom at 3155 Ambassador Caffery Parkway, Lafayette, Louisiana 70506, or schedule an appointment with our Showroom Sales Consultant here.

Source:

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm/frozen-pipes.html