Madison County Emergency Management has some advice for residents who are experiencing frozen water pipes due to the recent cold weather. With below freezing temperatures comes the possibility of frozen pipes.
If you do experience frozen water pipes, use a hair dryer to thaw them. Remember using an open flame to thaw frozen water pipes is dangerous. Also, do not use a space heater in enclosed spaces, this can result in a fire and/or buildup of deadly carbon monoxide.
“A hair dryer on the hot setting will not be fast, but it is the safe way to thaw a frozen pipe,” says Doug Shattuck, Madison County’s Fire Coordinator. “Pipes conduct heat very well, so even if the freeze is behind a wall, you can usually thaw it out.”
To prevent pipes from freezing in the first place try to leave cabinets open to help warm room air circulate under sinks. Be sure there are no hazardous items where children or pets can get at them. Running the water slightly in each room can also help avoid freezing by keeping the water moving.
If in doubt, a plumber should be called to safely thaw the water line and make any necessary repairs.