AnswerLine • Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

Should Food Be Stored Outdoors in Winter or in the Snow?

January 18, 2022 Marlene Geiger 3 Comments

With cold winter temperatures, one might be tempted to store food outdoors or in the snow. This may also be true if one experiences a power outage due to a winter storm. While storing food outside or in the snow may work in a pinch, long term storage is not advised.

Although it may seem like a good idea to use our giant outdoor “walk-in freezer” to store food, there are two main reasons why the cold or snow may not necessarily protect it safely. For one, the outside temperature can vary by the hour even if snow is falling thereby not protecting refrigerated or frozen food properly. Further, frozen food can thaw when exposed to the sun’s rays even when the temperature is very cold. Food may become too warm and foodborne bacteria could grow. Secondly, perishable items could be exposed to unsanitary conditions or to animals which may harbor bacteria or disease. (Food that comes in contact with animals should never be consumed.)

Should the reason to take food outdoors or put in the snow be due to a power outage, the USDA suggests taking advantage of the cold weather to make ice by filling buckets or cans with water to freeze outdoors. The ice can be used to help keep food cold in the freezer, refrigerator or coolers. If one needs to temporarily store food outdoors, check the outdoor temperature and monitor the temperature and state of the food frequently. Food should also be stored in impermeable covered plastic containers and placed in a location that won’t be disturbed.

Meat, poultry, fish, and eggs should be stored at or below 40ºF and frozen food at or below 0ºF. While this is hard to maintain during power outages, the USDA says keeping your fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible can help your food stay at the necessary temperature for up to four hours and longer in a cold room. If the doors stay closed, a full freezer can maintain temperature for up to 48 hours.

Marlene Geiger

I am a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a BS in Home Economics Education and Extension and from Colorado State University with a MS in Textiles and Clothing. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, gardening, quilting, cooking, sewing, and sharing knowledge and experience with others.

April 2, 2024

3 Comments

Chili – What is it?

March 11, 2019 Marlene Geiger 4 Comments

Bowl of chili, napkin and spoon Chili is a favorite soup or stew but no one seems to agree on what chili should be. There are as many ways to make chili as there are people who make it. Some like it hot, some like it mild, some like it on top of a baked potato or mound of spaghetti, some say beans, others say NO beans. However you like it, chili, served with a side of cornbread, cinnamon roll, oyster crackers, sour cream, cheese, or plain, is an American comfort food. Every cook has a secret ingredient or combination of ingredients; it’s a dish that lends itself to creativity. A search for a chili recipe will turn up all kinds of combinations. To that end, chili even has its own national celebration day( fourth Thursday in February) and its own week (first week in October).

While little information was found on the origin of Chili Day, it appears to have had a long history. On the other hand, the origin of chili is credited to a mixture of chili peppers and meat known as chili con carne, Spanish for chili with meat.

In today’s world, there is no agreement on what chili should be or look like. Many recipes use a combination of tomatoes, beans or no beans, chili peppers and/or peppers, meat, garlic, onions, and cumin but the variations are endless and even include vegetarian and vegan varieties. Despite popular belief, chili does not come from Mexico. Recipes have certainly been influenced by Mexican culture, but also incorporate elements from Native American and Spanish culinary traditions. Many historians believe chili originated in Texas where all three of these cultures intersected. Cowboys and the American frontier settlers made chili from a chili brick cooked in a pot of boiling water along the trail or in the frontier home for a hearty meal. The brick consisted of dried beef, suet, dried chili peppers and salt, pounded together and dried giving the mixture a long shelf life. Chili was a popular food offering at the Worlds Columbian Exposition of 1893 in Chicago where the San Antonio Chili Stand introduced Texas-style chili con carne to attendees. Prior to World War II the popularity of chili lead to small, family-run chili parlors (also known as chili joints) popping up throughout the US with Texas leading the way. Each parlor had its own claim to fame featuring a secret recipe or ingredient.

Chili adapts easily to quantity cookery making it a great food for crowds. It also makes a great centerpiece for entertainment or as a fund raiser in the form of a chili cook-off. Cook-off participants prepare their carefully-guarded and best chili concoctions to battle for judges’ or visitors’ approval to declare their recipe a winner! While many chili cook-offs are a local event with prizes and recognition, it may also be a sanctioned contest leading to international fame with large prizes.

There are many ways that people enjoy the great taste of chili—soup, burgers, dogs, fries, just to name a few. There are also regional ways to enjoy chili. Cincinnati Chili is a favorite of many Ohioans. Chili is spooned over pasta, usually spaghetti, and topped with shredded cheese, kidney beans, crushed crackers, and onions. In New Mexico, one would commonly enjoy a bowl of Green Chili Stew or Chili Verde made with cubes of pork, Hatch chilies, tomatillos and other seasonings; it may be served over rice or corn tortillas or not. St Louis also has a chili favorite known as the St Louis Slinger—a dish made with a ground beef patty, hash browns, and eggs covered with chili and topped with cheese and onions. If one starts with a basic chili and adds a generous dose of Cajun seasoning and Louisiana hot sauce, one has an unforgettable New Orleans-style chili. Finally, there is the no-beans, no tomatoes Texas Red made with chunks of beef, beef suet, a variety of peppers, and seasonings.

Because chili ingredients vary so much, it is not possible to give exact nutritional information. When meat, beans, peppers, onions, and tomatoes form the base of the soup, nutritional benefits may include vitamins A and C, protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. Whatever the nutritional value, style, or recipe, chili is definitely an American classic and favorite to be enjoyed in various styles.

Updated 9-14-2023 mg.

Marlene Geiger

March 13, 2025

Culture, Food Preparation food history, soups, stews, Winter

4 Comments

Deicers–helpful or harmful?

January 24, 2019 Marlene Geiger 3 Comments

Most deicing products readily available contain salt compounds known as magnesium chloride (used as a liquid on roads), sodium chloride (table salt), calcium chloride, and potassium chloride (fertilizer). Each winter these materials are applied to sidewalks, driveways, and steps to prevent slipping and falling. However, they are often applied without regard to the substance, application, or the damage that they may cause to the home, property, environment, pets, and nearby plants.

As for mentioned, deicing products are primarily comprised of salt. And just like household salt, all salts are not the same. Salts can cause injury to trees, lawns, and shrubs, corrode metal and concrete, and even do bodily harm to pets and humans. The most problematic element in any of the deicing products is the chloride; it causes corrosion and is toxic to plants.

Most of the popular de-icing products sold are chloride-based, each containing a different combination of salt. They include:

calcium chloride,
sodium chloride,
potassium chloride,
magnesium chloride.

Of these, the most commonly used is sodium chloride; it is widely available and least costly. It works at lower temperatures than other products and does not harm plants if excessive amounts are not applied.

This table from Purdue Extension gives valuable information about deicers:

While Calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) is listed on the above table, it contains no chloride and is less damaging to cars, metals, and concrete and less toxic to plants. It is made from dolomitic limestone and acetic acid, the main compound found in vinegar. CMA works differently than other deicers; it does not form brine like salts, but rather helps prevent snow particles from sticking to each other. It has little effect on plant growth or concrete. It is also said to be biodegradable and pet and wildlife friendly. The big downside is the cost.

If you want to avoid deicing products, consider using sand, kitty litter, or chicken grit. While these products won’t melt snow, they will provide traction in slippery spots. Sand and kitty litter are safe for pets and plants and can be swept up when the snow melts. (Chicken grit may be too sharp for the paws of some pets but will not harm plants.) Boots or shoes traversing any of these products should be removed upon entering a home as they could scratch floors.

Should the landscape fall victim to deicing, flushing the area around the plant roots in the spring with water will help to leech out the salts. Flushing may not be helpful if excessive salt has been used and plants and grass are found dead in the spring along deiced areas. Consider planting salt-tolerant plants in the landscape where deicer products may be used. For a list of landscape plants describing their tolerance to salt, visit Salt Damage in Landscape Plants by Purdue Extension.

The best advice is to know something about the substance (salts used in the product), consider the application, and then READ AND FOLLOW the manufacturer’s directions for applying the product to minimize damage to property and landscape. And if possible, apply even less than is recommended. Deicing products are not meant to replace shoveling or to melt all snow and ice, but to aid in removal efforts to prevent slipping and falling.

Sources:
Picking the Right Product is Key to Melting Ice From Sidewalks, Driveways, K-State Research and Extension News
Salt Damage in Landscape Plants, Purdue Extension
Ice Melts Can Help But Can Be Harmful, K-State Research and Extension
Using Deicing Salts in the Home Landscape, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

Reviewed and updated 6/2024, mg.

Marlene Geiger

February 6, 2025

Consumer Management, Safety around the home deicers, Gardening, safety, Winter

3 Comments

It’s Seed Selection Season

January 17, 2019 Marlene Geiger 1 Comment

A delicious or beautiful summer garden of vegetables and/or flowers, starts with planning and picking out seeds and plants now. Whether you shop for seeds or plants from a catalog, online, or garden center, it can be an overwhelming task deciding what to plant. Here are a few tips to keep seed or plant orders manageable and not let your eyes and imagination get bigger than the time and space you have to plant.

It’s not necessary to plant everything from seed. Planting from seed allows some personal options, the possibility of having an abundance of something, or finding something a bit unusual that you’d like to try. Annual plants are usually available from garden centers at reasonable prices foregoing the cost of seed, starting soil, containers, lights, and water that is needed to start seedlings on your own. Many of the seed retailers also offer plant offerings so if only one or two plants are desired, it might be more economical to purchase the plant than the seed.

Plant what you will eat and/or preserve in the vegetable garden. While the home garden is a great opportunity to broaden the vegetable and fruit palate, planting vegetables and herbs that are not favorites is not in your best interest. Be sure to consider space considerations; some plants like pumpkins and squash require a lot of space. And remember, it doesn’t take too many plants of anything to fill your needs.

Try something new. Each year, save space to experiment with a new edible or flowering plant or a different variety of something familiar just to broaden experience, knowledge and palate, if edible.

Include some pollinators. Adding a few beneficial flowers to the vegetable garden will boost your edible yields and may also provide some natural pest control. Zinnias are easy to grow, add lots of color, and are a favorite of bees and hummingbirds. The choices in zinnia varieties seems to be every expanding, too.

Care for unused seeds. Seed packets may contain more seeds that needed. Most seeds can be stored for one or two years and still produce great results in your garden. The key is to store them properly. Seed Savers Exchange offers some great tips for storing seeds. Another alternative is to share them with friends.

If you would like to receive some seed catalogs or are looking for something specific (organic, heirloom, etc.), here is an online source to help get you started with your spring planting:
10 Seed Catalogs Every Gardener Needs

Enjoy the season! It will soon be time to start those seeds under lights.

Reviewed and updated 6/2024, mg.

Marlene Geiger

February 27, 2025

Consumer Management Gardening, seed selection, Winter

1 Comment

Personal Heating Appliances and Electric Blanket Safety

December 6, 2018 Marlene Geiger 12 Comments

Personal heating appliance (electric blanket) When chilly nights become the norm, warmer blankets, throws, and pads become our cozy companions. If a that cozy companion is an electric personal heating appliance (blanket, throw, pad, mattress pad, foot warmer), it should be inspected, regardless of age, before snuggling up for the season to make sure that it is safe.

There are two types of personal heating appliances, heating pads that are placed directly on the mattress and electric blankets. Heating pads and electric blankets cause around 500 fires each year according to the Electrical Safety Foundation. Almost all of these fires involve electric blankets that are more than ten years old. While older blankets are definitely a hazard, a newer blanket or pad, even one fresh out of the bag, could also be a safety risk. Newer personal heating appliances present less of a safety risk for fire and burns as most include safety features such as a rheostat control and temperature sensors. Despite these pads and blankets being safer, look for ones that are UL- or ETL-certified, and always turn off before going to sleep.

When inspecting an electrical personal heating appliance, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends looking for cracks and breaks in wiring, plugs, and connectors. Also look for dark, charred, or frayed spots on either side of the blanket or pad. If the appliance shows any of these characteristics or is more than 10 years old, it should be thrown away—DO NOT DONATE. (If you want to keep the blanket for some other use like covering plants in the fall, throw away the control unit to render it non-electrical.) Older appliances (10 years plus) are more likely to be a hazard because most operate without a rheostat. The rheostat found on most newer personal heating appliances controls heat by gauging both the appliance temperature and the user’s body temperature. Lastly, check the Consumer Product Safety Commission website to make sure the appliance has not been recalled.

If a new personal heating appliance is to be purchased for self or as a gift, make sure it has been tested by and bears the label of a reputable testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Be sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s directions. If the directions don’t match your intended use, do not purchase.

Once the appliance is in use, keep these safety tips in mind:

Keep the blanket flat while in use. Folds or bunched-up areas can create and trap too much heat. This also includes tucking ends in which can cause excessive heat build-up. A blanket is also best stored flat or rolled which puts less stress on the coils.

Keep everything and anything off of the blanket or pad. This includes comforters/bedspreads, blankets, clothing, pets, and yourself. No sleeping or lounging on top of the blanket either. Weight of any kind may cause the blanket to overheat. Pet claws can cause punctures, rips, and tears which may expose or break the wiring and create shock and fire hazards. If pets are a must, consider a low-voltage blanket.

Avoid washing or dry cleaning Washing machines or cleaning solvents and appliances aren’t a given match. Always follow the manufactures directions if cleaning is necessary and do not use the spin cycle. There’s no guarantee that the internal coils in the appliance won’t get twisted or damaged or that the electrical circuitry will avoid damage in the laundry. Some appliances come with removal covers so that washing of the appliance is not necessary.

Heat and then sleep. If the appliance does not have a timer, turn it off before going to sleep.

Consider the bed. Never use an electric blanket or other personal heating appliance on a waterbed or adjustable, hospital-style bed.

Mind the cords. Avoid running cords under the mattress as this creates friction that can damage the cord or trap excess heat. Do not plug the appliance into an extension cord or power strip as either could cause the appliance to overheat.

Do not use more than one appliance at a time. Blankets and pads are not meant to be used interchangeably or at the same time.

Electric personal heating appliances are great cozy companions but they need to be respected and used with care. Today’s electric personal heating appliances are safer and more energy efficient than those of the past. Many of the safety innovations were developed as Underwriters Laboratories, an independent product-safety testing organization, pushed for stricter safety standards for all personal heating appliances, including warnings on the instructions. With respect and care, these cozy companions are perfect for deflecting cold rooms and beds.

Reviewed and updated, 6-2024, mg.

Marlene Geiger

March 18, 2025

Electronics, Safety around the home Household Equipment, Winter

12 Comments

Tips for winterizing your car.

October 31, 2016 Liz Meimann

It may seem really early to be thinking about winterizing your car or your home, but snow in November is not really that rare. These nice late autumn days are perfect for checking and stocking your car with the necessary supplies.

If you cannot check the radiator yourself, have someone else check the level of antifreeze. If the level of antifreeze is low, add some. This is also the time to change the windshield-wiper fluid to a fluid designed for winter. Be sure that the wiper fluid tank is full. Check your tires to be sure there is adequate tread left and that they are inflated to the correct level. If the tread is a bit too thin, you may want to replace the tires to be sure you have good traction in the snow and ice.

Even though it may be a nice day, check to be sure the heater is working well. You can easily test your emergency flashers by yourself, but you may need to have help checking the oil level, brake fluid and exhaust system. Protect yourself by being prepared.

You may also want to prepare a Winter Survival kit for your car. Keeping an extra jacket, gloves, or boots in the car is also a good idea. Remember that you should always be aware of the weather; especially if there is a storm in the forecast. Keeping the gas tank full in the winter is a good habit. If you are stranded you should have enough gas to keep the car warm by running the heater. Stay off of the roads in bad weather if at all possible. Let Sacramento car accident attorneys fight for your rights, providing comprehensive representation to help you recover from the financial and emotional burdens of an accident.

Take a bit of time now to make sure you are safe this winter.

Liz Meimann

I received both my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Food Science at Iowa State University. I love to quilt, sew, cook, and bake. I spent many years gardening, canning, and preserving food for my family when my children were at home.

Preparing your home for winter

October 27, 2016 Beth Marrs 2 Comments

Fall scene, forest of trees with fallen leaves — Image Source: Canva.com

The leaves on the trees are turning and in turn reminding us that winter is on its way! Is your home ready for winter? Doing some simple tasks now can reduce your utility bills and keep problems away.

Clean out your gutters. The leaves and debris can cause water to back up. In the fall that could cause water to overflow and instead of being diverted away from your house it could cause basement water problems. In the winter frozen water from thawing snow can cause ice dams that can cause moisture damage to your roof and interior ceiling. Running water through the gutter will also show if there are leaks that need to be fixed. Scheduling routine gutter cleaning helps ensure that your gutters remain clear, functioning efficiently, and free of any obstructions that could cause costly repairs
Have your furnace checked. Regular maintenance of both your air conditioning and furnace will keep them running well. There is nothing worse than waking up on a cold morning and not having the furnace working! Changing the furnace filter regularly will help with utility costs since air does not circulate well through dirty filters.
Over time, dust, debris, and allergens can accumulate in your air ducts, obstructing airflow and making your heating system work harder to maintain warmth. Scheduling regular air duct cleaning with a reliable company can improve air circulation, increase energy efficiency, and enhance indoor air quality. Similarly, cleaning your dryer vents is essential for safety and efficiency. A clogged vent not only reduces your dryer’s effectiveness but also increases the risk of fire. By incorporating air duct and dryer vent cleaning into your seasonal maintenance routine, you can ensure your HVAC system operates at its best, reduce energy costs, and keep your home safe and comfortable throughout the winter months.
Check the weather stripping on doors and windows. Sealing gaps around doors and windows will keep cold air out and warm air in.
If you have a wood burning fireplace be sure and have the chimney inspected. Regular cleaning can keep soot or creosol from depositing inside the chimney. Regular cleaning reduces the risk of a chimney fire. If you haven’t had your chimney inspected recently, it’s a good idea to hire professionals who specialize in this area. Regular inspections and repairs can provide peace of mind, ensuring your fireplace remains safe to use, year after year.
Change the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. This should be done once a year. Test the detectors monthly to make sure they are working properly.
Since the days are shorter replace light bulbs with LED or ENERGY STAR bulbs which last longer and save money on your electric bills. When you are decorating for the holidays look for LED Christmas lights.
Make sure you drain your outdoor hoses and store them in the garage for the winter. Drain any irrigation system and rain barrels that you have been using this summer. Allowing water to freeze can cause damage that you will find in the spring.

Many of these items can be done without hiring a professional. By spending some time in the fall you will enjoy the energy saving and the peace of mind knowing you are ready for the snow to fly!

Reviewed and updated, 3/2025, mg.

Beth Marrs

I graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Adult Home Economics Education. I love to cook and entertain and spend time with my family.

March 21, 2025

Consumer Management, Home Environment, Housing Household Equipment, Winter

2 Comments

Successfully Freezing Homemade Soup

October 24, 2016 Marlene Geiger 1 Comment

slow-cooker-pork-chili_0 There’s nothing like homemade soups and stews to enjoy during the fall and winter months. Soups and stews are also great ‘prepare ahead’ foods to freeze and enjoy at a later time when a quick meal is needed, relieve stress during the holidays, or share with elderly parents, neighbors, or college students. While freezing is a great convenience, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Recipe. Freezing will not improve the texture, flavor, or quality of food. It simply preserves food quality by stopping microbial growth. Which brings us to the question, “will all soups freeze satisfactorily to assure a good product later?” Most soup recipes can be used for freezing but one should check the listing at the National Center for Home Food Preservation for ingredients that do not freeze successfully. Vegetable and meat based soups generally freeze very well; however, potatoes and pasta may need special consideration. Joy of Cooking advises to add freshly cooked potatoes or pasta just before serving if a soup or chowder calls for such OR to undercook the potatoes/pasta if they will be part of the frozen soup. Dairy-based soups and chowders can be frozen, too, but the outcome is not always as predictable as they tend to separate slightly when thawed and reheated. This can typically be fixed by whisking in a little additional milk or cream or by stabilizing the cream with a slurry of arrowroot or potato power and water. An immersion blender can be used to mix together a dairy-based soup that has separated. Using a modified starch suitable for low temperatures such as ThermFlow® or tapioca flour will help prevent separation of a thickened soup; Joy of Cooking suggests substituting 1 tablespoon tapioca flour for 2 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour for 1 cup liquid.
Cooling. After preparing your soup, it must be cooled quickly to prevent a foodborne illness. Soup should cool from 140 degrees to 70 degrees in two hours or less and from 70 degrees to 40 degrees in four hours or less. The University of Minnesota (Cooling Soup Safely) offers some great tips to cool soup safely such as placing the kettle in an ice bath, using shallow pans, dividing into smaller batches, and stirring to hasten cooling. Regardless of method used, it’s most important to get the soup cooled by whatever method works best for you to get the temperature down as quickly as possible.
Packaging. Once the soup is cooled, packaging appropriately becomes the next step. How you intend to use the soup later, will dictate how you will package it. If you want to freeze a large quantity, freezer bags with a zipper lock work very well and save space in your freezer because they are stackable after they have been laid flat and had time to freeze solid. For individual servings, smaller freezer bags can be used. Some of the plastic containers made by Ziplock® or Rubbermaid® work very well, too. These kind of containers come in all shapes and sizes, each with a unique ability to seal, lock, stack, nest and are sturdy enough to travel with ease which is especially good if the soup is to be transported to and used by an older adult or college student. ½ – 1 cup is considered a snack size portion and 2 cups is a meal portion.
Freezing. Always remove as much air as possible as you close the bag or container and leave ½ inch of headspace for pint-size- and 1 inch for quart-size-containers. Clearly label each package with the name of the food, ingredients, packaging date, and any special instructions. This information can quickly be typed and printed on mailing labels and attached to the individual packages. Prepared packages or containers should be placed in the coldest part of the freezer allowing for good air circulation around each container. After the product is fully frozen, stack to save space. Soups containing starches or starchy vegetables should be placed in the back of the freezer where the temperature remains more constant to prevent slight thawing allowing starchy ingredients to absorb moisture and get mushy.
Defrosting and Reheating. To retain the best flavor, dairy-based soups should be consumed within two months of freezing and broth-based within three months. Soups kept longer than these suggested times are still safe to eat but the flavor begins to fade along with some freezer burn. Soups should be thawed in the refrigerator overnight; or if it is defrosted in the microwave oven, it should be heated and eaten immediately. Pour the defrosted soup into a saucepan to reheat on the stove top; heat to boiling on low heat gently stirring until it heats through. Or pour soup into a microwave-safe dish to reheat in the microwave, again stirring occasionally to heat more evenly. If your recipe calls for the addition of cheese just before serving, omit that prior to freezing and add during reheating. Even though you can freeze cheese on its own, it reheats at a different rate than the soup contents.

I hope you’ll enjoy having homemade soup on hand for a quick meal or to share as much as I do.

Marlene Geiger

February 6, 2025

Food Preparation, Food Preservation, Food Safety, Holiday ideas, Quantity Cooking Winter

1 Comment

Prepare for winter storms!

February 1, 2016 Liz Meimann

Another winter storm is on the horizon; what steps should we take to be prepared? slippery sidewalks

Understand the terminology:
- Outlook: winter storm conditions are possible in the next week
- Advisory: winter conditions are likely to cause inconvenience and could possibly be hazardous
- Watch: winter storm conditions are likely in the next 36-48 hours; you should be aware of changing conditions and make preparations
- Warning: severe weather conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours.

Check your supplies to be sure you have snow melt, rock salt, shovels. Go to the grocery store to be sure you have enough food in the house. Remember that if the power goes out, you will want to have some food that does not require cooking.
Fill your flashlights with fresh batteries, find your candles (and matches) and extra blankets. If you have these things in a place you can easily locate you will be grateful if the power goes off after dark.
Minimize travel. Eliminate unnecessary trips. Remember to pack an emergency kit in your car in the event your car stalls or gets stuck in the snow. You may want to fill your gas tank before the storm hits.
Prepare your pets for the storm. Be ready to bring outdoors pets inside if the weather gets really bad. Have extra pet food on hand.
Locate your weather radio if you have not used it since tornado season. Have fresh batteries for it, in case the power goes out for a prolonged period.
Have a family emergency plan in case you are not together when the storm strikes.

Be prepared and watch the weather this week. Stay safe through the storms.

Liz Meimann

Preventing and Thawing Frozen Pipes

January 19, 2015 Beth Marrs 1 Comment

Here in the upper Midwest plumbers have been busy with the recent cold snap. When the temperature plummets, the risk of pipes freezing goes up. In fact frozen pipes are one of the most common causes of property damage during frigid weather and can cause thousands of dollars in water damage for the home or business owner, according to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. Pipes that freeze most frequently are those in unheated interior spaces such as basement, attics, and garages. But pipes that run through your cabinets or that are against an exterior wall are also at risk. Here’s some advice from the American Red Cross on how to prevent your pipes from freezing as well as how to thaw them if they do.

FREEZING PIPE PREVENTION

During the cold weather months, take measures inside to keep your pipes warm and water running. Some may conflict with your desire to conserve water and heat, but the extra expense is nothing compared to a hefty repair bill. Here’s what to do.

Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. (If you have small children, be sure to remove any harmful cleaners and household chemicals.)
Let the cold water drip from a faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe-even at a trickle-helps prevent pipes from freezing.
Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night.
If you plan to be away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55 ⁰ F.
For the long term, add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in those areas.

THAWING FROZEN PIPES

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, you probably have a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include those against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation. If the water is still running, you can take the following steps but if you suspect a more serious problem, call a plumber. Plumbing professionals not only possess the expertise to identify and address frozen pipe issues promptly but can also provide invaluable services like Leak Detection Services in Reno, NV and beyond. By leveraging advanced technology and specialized equipment, these services enable early detection of leaks and potential pipe damage, helping homeowners mitigate risks and ensure the integrity of their plumbing systems.

Moreover, beyond the immediate concern of frozen pipes, homeowners can benefit from the comprehensive services offered by a Minneapolis plumber. From routine maintenance to emergency repairs and innovative leak detection technologies, these professionals serve as trusted guardians of residential plumbing systems. Whether it’s ensuring efficient water usage or safeguarding against potential leaks and water damage, their expertise offers peace of mind, allowing homeowners to navigate the seasons with confidence and comfort.

While thawing a frozen pipe can be a DIY project, it’s important to remember that it can also be dangerous and cause further damage to your pipes if not done correctly. For a safe and effective solution, it’s recommended to seek the help of expert plumbing services. They can offer affordable plumbing solutions, including specialized tools and equipment to properly thaw your frozen pipes without causing any damage. Moreover, they can also assess your plumbing system to identify any underlying issues that may have caused the frozen pipes in the first place, ensuring that the problem doesn’t reoccur in the future.

Whether it’s a stubborn clog, a malfunctioning water heater, or the need for a bathroom remodel, consulting a top-rated Caldwell plumbing service can provide the expertise needed to tackle any challenge. These professionals offer a range of services tailored to both residential and commercial needs, utilizing advanced techniques and quality materials to ensure long-lasting solutions. By entrusting your plumbing concerns to experienced professionals, you not only ensure the integrity of your home’s plumbing system but also save time and effort in managing maintenance and repairs.

Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.
Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.
Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, chances are others are frozen too.
If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen section is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.

If you need supplemental heat, you can add a space heater to a room where pipes may be at risk.

Beth Marrs

I graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Adult Home Economics Education. I love to cook and entertain and spend time with my family.

July 9, 2024

Consumer Management, Home Environment Household Equipment, Winter

1 Comment

Tag: Winter

Should Food Be Stored Outdoors in Winter or in the Snow?

Marlene Geiger

Chili – What is it?

Marlene Geiger

Deicers–helpful or harmful?

Marlene Geiger

It’s Seed Selection Season

Marlene Geiger

Personal Heating Appliances and Electric Blanket Safety

Marlene Geiger

Tips for winterizing your car.

Liz Meimann

Preparing your home for winter

Beth Marrs

Successfully Freezing Homemade Soup

Marlene Geiger

Prepare for winter storms!

Liz Meimann

Preventing and Thawing Frozen Pipes

Beth Marrs

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