Burst or frozen pipes

Stop the water

1. Close the main shutoff valve. In most homes it's where the water service comes through the foundation wall, next to the meter. Learn where yours is before you need it.
2. Open a low faucet to drain remaining water from the lines.
3. If water is near electrical, switch off that circuit at the panel only if you can reach it while standing on a dry surface. Otherwise stay out and call an electrician.
4. Photograph the break and the damage, then begin getting water out and air moving.

Which pipes freeze

The American Red Cross lists the pipes most likely to freeze: outdoor hose bibs and sprinkler lines, supply pipes in unheated basements, crawl spaces, attics and garages, and pipes along poorly insulated exterior walls.

Thawing safely

• Keep the faucet open while you warm the pipe.
• Use a heating pad, hair dryer, space heater kept away from flammables, or hot wet towels.
• Never use a torch or other open flame.
• If you can't find or reach the frozen section, call a licensed plumber. Illinois licenses plumbers through the Department of Public Health.

Prevention for cold snaps

• Disconnect hoses and close the inside valve to outdoor faucets in fall.
• Insulate pipes in unheated spaces; open sink cabinets on exterior walls during extreme cold.
• Let a faucet drip when it's very cold and keep the thermostat steady day and night.
• Traveling in winter? The Red Cross says not to set the heat lower than 55°F.

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