Protecting your pipes during a polar vortex

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Published Date 1/24/2025

It’s on its way, say the weather gods. A polar vortex is expected to affect 120 million Americans in late January, and protecting your home's plumbing is crucial. Realtor’s Terri Willliams offers some clues on what to expect according to experts.

Signs of frozen pipes include no water flow from faucets, tubs, or toilets, and blocked heating pipes will prevent hot air from reaching radiators that are past the part that's frozen. To defrost them, first turn off the main water valve. Then use space heaters, blow dryers, or heat lamps starting "at the area of the pipe closest to the faucet, and then move the heat application down the pipe," advises Don Glovan of Mr. Rooter Plumbing. Consider using electrical heating tape and open affected faucets to release pressure.

To prevent frozen pipes, insulate exterior pipes or install pipe-heating cables, keep faucets dripping, open your under-sink cabinet doors to keep warm room air circulating around the pipes, and seal external openings with weatherstripping. And turn your heat up, as very cold days are not the time to try to save money on fuel.

So when should you call a professional? Williams says to call in the experts if all DIY methods fail, if pipes burst (the average insurance claim is $18,000 according to Hartford Insurance Co.), and to consider water remediation experts for flooding. Experts warn that if something isn't dried correctly, such as inside a wall cavity, under a cabinet, carpet padding, or subflooring, etc., you could develop problems with microbial (mold) growth later.

Realtor, TBWS

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