How to prevent frozen pipes this winter

When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands and can split the pipe open. The real damage often comes later, when it thaws and floods the room. A few simple steps keep your pipes safe through a Philadelphia winter.

Before the cold hits

• Insulate pipes in unheated spaces like basements, crawl spaces, and garages

• Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and shut off exterior spigots

• Seal drafts near pipes along exterior walls

• Know where your main shutoff is, just in case

During a deep freeze

Let a faucet drip slightly on the coldest nights, open cabinet doors to let warm air reach pipes under sinks, and keep your heat on even when you are away.

If a pipe freezes

Shut off the water, open the faucet, and gently warm the area. Never use an open flame. If you suspect a pipe has burst, call us right away, day or night.