Bringing in the new year with a cold snap, a broad swath of frigid arctic air is gripping much of North America and your plumbing is probably feeling it more than you are.

A major winter storm is bringing freezing temperatures throughout the region and that means snow storms to the north and icy conditions to the south thanks to a clash between cold air from the north and milder, moist air from the south -- two of the three systems forming what some meteorologists are calling the "Perfect Storm."

Throughout Canada and in the U.S. from the Pacific Northwest, as far south as Oklahoma, up into Midwestern river valleys and into the Northeast, Mother Nature's cold shoulder is sparing few North American neighborhoods.

A big problem for home and property owners is a unique property of water -- when it freezes it expands, putting pressure on whatever is containing it -- including metal or plastic pipes in plumbing systems.

The expansion can cause pipes to break, leaving the potential for extensive flooding and water damage to your home.

The American Red Cross says that's most likely to happen in pipes that are most exposed to the cold -- outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, sprinkler systems, and plumbing in unheated basements, crawl spaces, attics and garages. Pipes that run against exterior walls are also at risk.

Thawing

During a cold snap, you should periodically check all the faucets in your home. A trickle of water is a symptom of water frozen in a pipe. You should keep the faucet open as you attempt to locate the frozen area based on those most likely to freeze. That's because as you thaw the frozen water, running it will help melt more ice.

You can apply heat to the suspect section of pipe by wrapping an electric heating pad or towels soaked in hot water around the pipe. You can also use a hair dryer or electric portable space heater.

Do not use an open flame device, say, a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device. A blowtorch creates the potential for a pipe bomb. If it boils the water the pipe could explode. Also, open flames in a home always create the potential for a fire hazard and a risk of carbon monoxide exposure.

Apply heat only until full water pressure is restored. If you fail to find the frozen section or fail to thaw it, call a licensed plumber.

Prevention

The Red Cross says the best time to prevent frozen water in your plumbing, obviously, is before cold weather hits. Here's how:

• Drain water from the swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer's or installer's directions. Do not put environmentally harmful and potentially toxic antifreeze in lines unless directed by the manufacturer.

• Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs and keep them open to allow all water to drain.

• Insulate plumbing that's most susceptible to freezing. That includes the hot water lines. "Pipe sleeves," UL-listed "heat tape," "heat cable," and other products are specifically designed to insulate water pipes. The Red Cross also says a 1/4 inch thickness of newspaper can provide some degree of insulation and protection to exposed pipes that don't typically have frequent or prolonged exposure to below-freezing temperatures.

• Add insulation in the attic, basements, and crawl spaces to help maintain higher temperatures.

• If there are water supply lines in garages or other areas that can be closed off, keep the doors closed.

• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Remove hazardous products children can reach.

• In severe cold, let the water drip from faucets served by exposed pipes. Even a trickle of water helps prevent pipes from freezing because the temperature of the water running through it is above freezing.

• Keep the thermostat set at one temperature, day and night. Your higher heating bill will offset a much more costly repair job to fix pipes that burst after freezing and clean up flooding or moisture.

• The Red Cross says if you plan to go away during cold weather, you should leave the heat on in your home set to a temperature no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

• In cold weather-prone areas, consider relocating exposed pipes to protect their water from freezing. Hire only an experienced licensed professional for the job.

Published: January 7, 2005

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A journalist for 35-years, Broderick Perkins parlayed an old-school daily newspaper career into a digital news service offering editorial content and consulting services. Perkins' San Jose, CA-based DeadlineNews Group includes the flagship news site, DeadlineNews.Com, offering real estate, personal finance and consumer journalism, and a backshop, the Deadline Newsroom.