⇒PREVENTING AND THAWING FROZEN WATER SERVICES

1. Determine the location of the frozen pipe. This can be done using touch by running your hand along accessible water pipes in the home and feeling for extremely cold spots. If a cold portion of pipe is encountered, thaw it gently, preferably using a hair dryer. DO NOT use a propane torch, as it could cause a rupture of the water line.
2. Check the temperature of water, if you suspect it is about to freeze the line. Do this at a point as close as possible to where water enters the home. If the temperature is close to freezing, run a substantial amount of water until the temperature increases. This could take some time. Showering and washing extra loads of laundry will put the extra water used to good use.
3. If you choose to leave the water in the home trickling, be careful! Leaving the water running at a trickle can help prevent frozen water service lines. Trickling water can sometimes lead to frozen sewer service lines. In the past water and sewer lines were installed in close proximity to each other and often at the same depth. Trickling water in a sewer line can cool to the point of freezing if the sewer line is cold. This could lead to the sewer service freezing shut and causing a sewer backup.
4. If you chose to run the water at a trickle, it is advised to periodically turn the flow of water up to about a garden hose size stream for several minutes. The increased flow of water allows for a better exchange of heat between the water and water service line/ground and also allows the water to assist in heating the sewer system.
5. If the consumer having a freezing water issue is a rural customer with a septic system, trickling water should be diverted away from the septic system. Septic systems have a limited capability to accept excess water in deep frost conditions. The trickling water could compromise the on-site septic system, leaving the customer with more problems and expense. If possible, run the trickling water outside with a hose, to an acceptable area.
6. If the water service line does become frozen, open one or two faucets. This will allow the ice to have room to expand without damaging any other piping.