Fixing frozen pipes

Listen to this exttended radio story on fixing frozen water pipes. (MP3 download)

When cold weather strikes, acreage owners have a lot on their minds. The driveway has to be cleared of snow and ice. Animals require extra attention. The fireplace needs an ample supply of wood. Checking water pipes in the home may not be top of mind, but if they freeze or burst, everything else will have to wait. Listen to the Living the Country Life radio program for tips on preventing and thawing frozen pipes.

Radio interview source: Shawn Shouse, ag engineering field specialist, Iowa State University Extension

Learn more about fixing frozen pipes:

Preventing freeze-ups: Burst pipes from freezing are difficult and expensive to fix. Follow these step-by-step instructions for preventing a problem in the first place.

Fixing leaks and frozen pipes: If you have a frozen pipe that hasn't yet burst, you can probably thaw it yourself. Here are specific instructions, complete with illustrations, for several methods.

Preventing and thawing frozen pipes: This fact sheet from the American Red Cross offers information about how to prevent water pipes in the home from freezing, and how to thaw them if they do freeze.