During those cold winter months homeowners should take a few precautions to help their home through the cold winter days to come. Firstly, check the outside hose faucets. If you have the frost free models, no need to worry as long as the hose is disconnected allowing it to drain. The older hose faucets should be shut off inside and left open allowing any water that may freeze to drain out.
Secondly, have a look in the basement to be sure there is no missing or displaced insulation that may allow cold air to reach any of the plumbing lines. These spots really show themselves when the temperature plummets and the wind drives cold air into places not protected. If you have water lines in your garage, be sure not to leave the garage door open too long on those really cold days.
If you do find yourself with frozen pipes, you can safely thaw the lines with an ordinary hair dryer if you can locate the frozen section. If not, turn off the supply to those lines if possible to prevent a damaging leak when it thaws. If you can’t turn them off, leave the faucet slightly open so you know when they thaw, and monitor the area for leaks when they do.
We can always hope for mild weather, but it’s better to be prepared for old man winter’s worst.