Pipe insulation is covered in ice as freezing temperatures remain in the metro area Tuesday afternoon, February 16, 2021, in Baton Rouge, La.
Insulation covers an exterior pipe on residential property, Wednesday, December 21, 2022, ahead of freeze warnings in Baton Rouge, La. Battery Welder
Customers buy pipe insulation and heaters at the Highland Hardware and Garden Center near Kenilworth Parkway, Wednesday, December 21, 2022, ahead of freeze warnings in Baton Rouge, La.
Pipe insulation is covered in ice as freezing temperatures remain in the metro area Tuesday afternoon, February 16, 2021, in Baton Rouge, La.
Bundle up, everyone. The temperature is expected to drop in the coming week in Louisiana, with a forecast down in the low 20s expected Jan. 16.
It's time to give a home's water pipes a little extra attention.
To prevent pipes from freezing, Claire Crutti, an extension associate with the LSU AgCenter and LaHouse Research and Education Center, says the first thing to do when cold weather is on the radar is to locate the main shut-off water valve to ensure it's not buried or stuck.
Insulation covers an exterior pipe on residential property, Wednesday, December 21, 2022, ahead of freeze warnings in Baton Rouge, La.
The second thing Crutti says to do to prepare for freezing temperatures is to insulate all exposed outdoor and attic pipes with weather-resistant material, including insulating foam tubing, electric heat tape for an extended deep freeze, rags, paper, trash bags or plastic foam.
Matt Deslatte, master plumber and owner of Trinity Plumbing in Baton Rouge, says "insulating exterior pipes is a huge must," along with running the water at a "pencil-lead stream" to keep the water moving through the cold and hot water systems when temperatures are below freezing for long.
Customers buy pipe insulation and heaters at the Highland Hardware and Garden Center near Kenilworth Parkway, Wednesday, December 21, 2022, ahead of freeze warnings in Baton Rouge, La.
"When the temperature is below freezing for more than 12 hours," Deslatte said, "you definitely need to consider wrapping pipes and running water."
He added that many people are replacing pipe systems with a new brand, PEX pipes (short for cross-linked polyethylene tubing) which is a flexible plastic that expands.
One thing that people may not know to do, Crutti said, is to open cabinets in the kitchen and bathrooms to allow for the heat from the indoor air to circulate the water pipes. She noted that homes with raised foundations and/or metal plumbing are more susceptible to freeze since pipes are exposed.
If you're planning to be out of town for an extended period during a freeze, Crutti said it's important to turn off the water at the main shut-off valve and leave the water running so that it drains the pipes.
"When you turn your water back on, you want to make sure that your faucets are turned off so you don't have the water rushing in," she said.
On the chance that pipes do freeze, Crutti recommends calling a plumber if needed, and shutting off the water. She says not to use a blow torch, or electrical appliances, to try to thaw pipes — which could cause pressure build-up and an explosion. Instead, the safest and most effective method is to wrap frozen pipes with a towel and then pour hot water over them.
Below are other tips from LSU AgCenter and LaHouse Research and Education Center to prepare pipes before a freeze and how to determine the appropriate course of action if the pipes freeze:
Visit hwww.lsuagcenter.com/topics/family_home/home/lahouse for more information on protecting your home from natural hazards.
LaHouse is a model home that displays various resilient building practices for the Gulf region with over 200 exhibits located on LSU's Baton Rouge campus. Crutti says some of the exhibits include how to protect windows in a home before a natural hazard or build the structure of a house stronger to withstand hurricane-force winds. LaHouse is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for self-guided tours or can be toured virtually.
Email Lauren Cheramie at lauren.cheramie@theadvocate.com or follow her on Twitter, @LCheramie_.
Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
News Tips: newstips@theadvocate.com
Other questions: subscriberservices@theadvocate.com
Electrical Insulation Paper Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks. We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: