To Build A Fire

By Jocelyn Geboy in News on Feb 8, 2007 10:47PM

No, don't. If your pipes have frozen during this long cold snap, please do NOT thaw them with an open flame. The American Red Cross says so, too.

This CBS2 web article is helpful with some tips on how to keep your pipes from freezing as well.

• Keep the faucets running -- just a little bit. As we heard the guy on the news say last night, "Moving water doesn't freeze." We're not sure we always agree, but we'll go with it.


• Open your cabinet doors to let some heat in.


• If you have a safe heating component, like a space heater -- try putting that next to the cabinet.


• Wrap your pipes with insulation.


• Turn up your heat a little (if you can!?).

Again, if the pipes are already frozen and a hair dryer or a heating pad or a space heater doesn't unthaw them ... do NOT use a blowtorch or a propane heater or an open flame. This is NOT a good idea. The other thing is -- there are some essentials your landlord has to provide. Heat, hot and cold running water, maintaining the windows and walls up to code ... it's all in the landlord/tenant ordinance. It's not always the easiest thing to get enforced, but it is out there.

Stay warm, people.

"Frosty Pipe" via APE-NUT-SACK