How to Prevent Water Pipes from Freezing

Want to know the best way to get acquainted with the business end of a mop? Let your pipes freeze in winter. Frozen water expands, and when it thaws, it can leave a big, expensive mess behind. Luckily, there’s a lot you can to do to keep pipes from freezing.

First, leave cabinet doors open wherever water pipes are present, especially if you’re going to be away from home. You can also leave the faucet running – just a bit – to prevent freezes.

For some DIY insurance, insulate your pipes with insulation wrap and electric heat tape, which you can find at your hardware store. Just wrap your pipes and plug it in.

If you don’t take precautions and you do get a frozen pipe, never thaw it with an open flame – you can do more harm than good. Instead, try a hair dryer, or wrap the frozen section with warm, wet towels and swap them out as they cool. And if you’re not sure where the freeze is at, just feel around.

For more helpful videos, go to http://www.bpu.com.

A not-for-profit public utility, the Kansas City Board of Public Utilities (BPU) has been providing safe, dependable water and electric services in Kansas City, Kansas, for more than 100 years. Today, BPU services 65,000 electric customers and 51,000 water customers, over approximately a 130 square mile area. BPU’s primary focus has always been, and remains, the satisfaction of its customers and a commitment to the quality of life in the communities it serves. For more information on BPU, please visit http://www.bpu.com.