Prepare now for potential cold leading to frozen pipes

KACo's Safety and Loss Control Department is committed to assisting all KACo All Lines Fund and Workers’ Compensation Fund members to identify and address adverse loss exposures to personal injuries, liability exposures and property losses through instance such as damage from frozen pipes.

Here’s some useful information from the American Red Cross on how to care for water pipes before and after the storm.

How to protect pipes from freezing

Before cold weather arrives, several steps can help protect your pipes. Drain water from sprinkler supply lines according to manufacturer or installer directions, and never add antifreeze unless explicitly instructed, as it is harmful to the environment, people, pets, wildlife and landscaping.

Disconnect, drain and store outdoor hoses. Shut off the indoor valves that supply outdoor hose bibs, then open the outdoor bibs to let any remaining water drain. Leave these outside valves open so that any leftover water can expand safely without breaking the pipes.

Adding insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces helps maintain higher temperatures in these vulnerable areas. Inspect your office for pipes located in unheated spaces such as garages or under sinks; both hot and cold-water pipes in these areas should be insulated. You may also consider using products designed specifically for pipe insulation, such as pipe sleeves, UL-listed heat tape or heat cables. Even wrapping pipes with ¼ inch of newspaper can provide meaningful protection in areas where freezing temperatures are not common or long-lasting. If possible, relocating exposed pipes can offer even greater protection.

How to prevent frozen pipes during cold weather

Keep garage doors closed if water supply lines run through the garage. Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warm indoor air to circulate around plumbing.

When temperatures drop severely, let cold water drip from faucets served by exposed pipes. Even a small trickle helps prevent pipes from freezing because moving water is less likely to solidify. Keep your thermostat set to the same temperature during the day and night. Although this may increase heating costs, it significantly reduces the risk of an expensive repair if a pipe freezes and bursts.

If you plan to travel during cold weather or your office is closed for a significant amount of time, leave the heat on and set it no lower than 55°F to ensure pipes remain warm enough to avoid freezing.

How to thaw frozen pipes

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, you may have a frozen pipe. Common locations include pipes along exterior walls or where the water service enters through the foundation.

Keep the faucet open while treating the pipe. As ice melts, running water will help clear the frozen section. Apply heat using an electric heating pad, hair dryer, portable space heater kept away from flammable materials, or towels soaked in hot water. Never use open-flame devices such as blowtorches, kerosene heaters, propane heaters or charcoal stoves.

Continue applying heat until full water pressure returns. If you can’t locate or access the frozen section, or cannot thaw it safely, contact a licensed plumber. After thawing one pipe, check all other faucets, as multiple pipes may freeze under the same conditions.

KACo frozen pipe claims from 2020-24

*35 different KACo members included in these claims.