In the winter, your pipes can freeze unexpectedly and without warning. Pipes commonly freeze in New Jersey because of the sometimes sudden and drastic change in temperatures throughout the winter season. Because your pipes handle water, they can freeze once the temperature outside is 32 degrees or less. When the temperature drops, you will want to keep an eye on your water pipes. If they burst, the water damage can easily cost $5,000 or more to fix.
To prevent uninsulated water pipes from freezing, you’ll want to keep garage doors closed, open cabinet doors that contain plumbing, let cold water drip from a faucet, and keep your thermostat set to the same temperature regardless of time. If you are going on vacation and the temperature is predicted to drop, you may want to drain your pipes or leave the heat set to a temperature above 55oF, so you don’t come home to any nasty surprises.
While those are all good options in the short-term, you will want to find a more permanent solution. Fortunately, pipe insulation isn’t expensive and can be found at your local hardware store. You will also want to fix the cause of any drafts by sealing any crack that lets cold air in.
If you suspect it’s too late to take any of the aforementioned precautions, you can look for the signs of a frozen pipe. The first sign is frost on the exterior of the pipes. The second is that no water comes out of the faucet. The last sign is an odd smell coming from the faucet or drain.
If you suspect that your pipes are frozen or are in danger of freezing, call a licensed plumber. They’ll be able to check all of your pipes, including the ones you can’t access.