The arrival of winter marks the season when freezing and subfreezing weather can present serious problems to homeowners. Frozen pipes can damage a homeowner’s or even a neighbor’s property.

And as with so many things: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Make sure that pipes are well insulated, especially in areas most likely to be exposed to weather, such as in garages.

Pipes that lead to an outside hose should be allowed to drip slowly to avoid freezing—this relieves pressure and reduces the chance of breakage-- or shut off the line at an inside shut off valve.

Leave cabinet doors under faucets open so they can get more heat.

If your pipes freeze, here are some immediate steps that may help:

· Locate the main water service valve and be prepared to immediately shut the water off at the first sign of any water leakage ( as outdoor temperatures rise, the ice inside the pipe will melt and leaks may the be evident.) This valve is generally located inside your home close to where the line comes in from the meter.

· Use a hand-held dryer or a space heater to thaw the pipe yourself but if you’re not certain what to do, call a registered plumber for help. Place it 4-5 inches away from the pipe and let it blow until the pipe thaws. This can be time consuming. DO NOT USE A BLOW TORCH OR OTHER OPEN FLAME BECAUSE IT IS TOO DANGEROUS.

· Turn on the closest faucet to the service valve (a trickle will do) to relieve pressure when the ice begins to melt.
· Immediately consult a plumber if you see or hear running water under a building or in a wall.