Frozen pipes in Atlanta: prevent and thaw them safely

Before the freeze

The City of Atlanta recommends (City of Atlanta):

• Insulating pipes and faucets in unheated areas.
• Disconnecting and draining outdoor hoses.
• Letting at least one faucet drip when the temperature falls below 32 degrees.
• Opening kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors so warm air reaches the pipes.

Signs a pipe is frozen

The Red Cross says to suspect a frozen pipe if only a trickle comes out of a faucet. Likely spots are against exterior walls or where the water service enters through the foundation (Red Cross).

Thawing it safely

The Red Cross says to keep the faucet open and apply heat with an electric heating pad, a hair dryer, a space heater kept away from anything flammable, or towels soaked in hot water. Don't use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove or any open flame. Keep heating until full pressure returns, and check other faucets, since more than one pipe may be frozen (Red Cross).

When to call a plumber

The Red Cross says to call a licensed plumber if you can't find the frozen section, can't reach it or can't thaw it (Red Cross). If a pipe has already split, close the main valve first; see burst pipe repair.

Common questions

Will insurance cover a frozen pipe?

Washington's insurance commissioner says policies usually cover burst pipes, including frozen pipes, as long as you heat your home properly (Washington OIC). See burst pipe insurance in Atlanta.