Power outages can put you at risk for frozen pipes in the winter due to extreme temperatures. They can also lead to costly repairs to address any water damage, causing as much as 250 gallons of water to leak a day for every 1/8-inch crack. The following tips can help ensure your pipes are maintained this winter.

Assess your property

Pipes most at risk are water supply lines in unheated areas such as basements, garages, crawl spaces, attics and kitchen cabinets.

Preventative measures to take at home:

  • Keep the garage closed, especially if there are water supply lines inside.
  • Open kitchen and cabinet doors. This will allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing, especially if your sink is on an exterior wall.
  • Let cold water drip from a faucet being served by exposed pipes. Even a trickle will help prevent pipes from freezing.
  • Seal gaps by using caulk or spray foam insulation around holes where pipes run through walls or floors.
  • Apply heating tape to pipes. This is a good solution for short sections of pipe at high risk for freezing.
  • Add extra insulation before the next cold snap hits. Insulation can keep a pipe closer to the temperature of the water inside the pipe.

How to thaw frozen pipes at home:

  • Turn the faucet on full pressure. If only a trickle comes out, a pipe is probably frozen. Check exterior walls or where water enters your home through the foundation.
  • Keep faucets open. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.
  • Wrap an electric heating pad around a section of the pipe. You also can soak towels in hot water and wrap them around pipes.
  • Apply heat by using a portable space heater or electric hair dryer.
  • Check all faucets in your home to see if there are additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others might too.
  • If a frozen pipe is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, contact a licensed plumber.

Steps to consider at your business:

  • Monitor fire protection sprinkler systems by using a central station that will provide early detection of a pipe failure.
  • Relieve pipe pressure by running all faucets to at least a drip.
  • Seal all cracks, holes, windows, doors and other openings on exterior walls with caulk or insulation.

Preventing frozen pipes during an outage

If you have city/municipal water

  • Letting all your faucets drip until power is restored.
  • Turning off the water at the main shut-off valve, then draining the remaining water in your water system from the lowest point in your home to ensure most of the water is cleared from your pipes. When power is restored, turn on the main valve and let each tap run until water fills your pipes again.
  • Keeping any outside valves open so any water remaining in the pipe is able to expand without breaking the pipe.

A sure sign of frozen pipes is low water pressure. If you turn on your faucet tap and only a trickle comes out or if there is no pressure, turn off the water at the main shut-off valve and call a licensed plumber immediately.

If you have well water

You won’t have access to additional running water during an outage since your well pump will not be operational. You can prevent frozen pipes by:

  • Turning off the water at the main shut-off valve, then draining the remaining water in your water system from the lowest point in your home to ensure most of the water is cleared from your pipes. When power is restored, turn on the main valve and let each tap run until water fills your pipes again.
  • Insulating exposed water pipes to protect them from the cold

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Once your power is restored

  • Set your thermostat no lower than 55 degrees at all times.
  • Keep your garage door closed to stop temperatures from declining further in your home.

Get more outage safety tips by visiting ConsumersEnergy.com/outage.