As Arctic Blast Hits Long Island, Here's How to Deal With Frozen Pipes

It may have been 50 degrees on Monday, but by Tuesday morning an Arctic chill moving across the country will put Long Island temperatures around 11 degrees, with wind chills making it feel like 13 below.

Unfortunately, that bitter cold could wreak havoc on your homes pipes, which will be at a greater risk of freezing. 

Here's how you can prevent that, or in the event that they do freeze, safely fix the situation.

Information from the American Red Cross:

Why Frozen Pipes Are a Problem

Water expands as it freezes. This expansion puts extreme pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. Pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor water faucets, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. Also, pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also subject to freezing. 
 
A 1/8-inch crack in a pipe can leak up to 250 gallons of water a day, causing flooding, serious structural damage, and the immediate potential for mold. 

In the US, frozen pipes cause significant damage every year, but they often  can be prevented. Taking a few simple steps, even now, may save you the aggravation and expense.

Prevention

• Check the insulation of pipes in your home's crawl spaces and attic. Exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing. 

• Heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables can be used to wrap pipes.  Be sure to use products approved by an independent testing organization, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc., and only for the use intended (exterior or interior). Closely follow all manufacturers' installation and operation instructions.
  
  
• Seal leaks that allow cold air inside near where pipes are located. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes, and use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out. With severe cold, even a tiny opening can let in enough cold air to cause a pipe to freeze.
  
  
• Use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house.
  
  
• A trickle of hot and cold water might be all it takes to keep your pipes from freezing. Let warm water drip overnight, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall.
  
  
• Keep your thermostat set at the same temperature during both day and night. You might be in the habit of turning down the heat when you’re asleep, but further drops in the temperature – more common overnight – could catch you off guard and freeze your pipes.
  
  
• Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to un-insulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.
  
  

If Your Pipes Do Freeze...