If you wake up to a silent faucet (no water, no sound, just evil stillness), don’t panic. You’ve got a frozen pipe, not a dead one. Find the frozen spot—often near an exterior wall or a drafty window.
Never use a blowtorch. You are not a welder. You are a human with a hairdryer. Turn it on low heat and wave it gently over the pipe. It’s like a spa treatment for metal.
Start from the faucet side and work backward. The water might hiss, sputter, then gurgle back to life. That sound is sweeter than a cat purring.
What About That Weird Shed Pipes?
Yes, your garden shed has pipes. They are lonely and forgotten. If you don’t use them in winter, shut off the water at the main valve and drain them completely.
Funky fact: In Finland, people sometimes run a small electric cable along outdoor pipes to keep them warm. It’s called a “pipe sock.” It’s adorable and effective. You can buy one online for $20.
If you must use the shed in winter, keep the water trickling. A frozen garden hose looks like a giant, sad popsicle. Nobody wants that.
Preventing Frozen Pipes: What Every Lexington Homeowner Should Know
