Plumber offers tips on avoiding frozen pipes in subzero temps

Plumbers said its not just people with older homes or those who fly south for the winter who have to worry about freezing pipes. When temperatures dip below zero, officials say its something everyone should be aware of.

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Nate Hyde owns Plattsburgh Plumbing. He said there are steps home owners can take to prevent a frozen pipe disaster.

He recommended leaving the heat on, running the faucets regularly and keeping an eye on drafty areas.

Insulation, drafty windows that have pipes that are close by to it, and mobile homes -- the skirting of the trailer, making sure that it is closed all the way and making sure the cold air is not blowing inside on the pipes underneath, said Hyde.

Hyde stresses there are some ways you should not thaw frozen pipes.

If somebody walks into your house with a blow torch, you should ask them to please turn around and leave. It's absolutely the most dangerous thing, especially being around insulation. Insulation is highly flammable and an open flame and the pipe is round, so there is no way to go around, and the flame will go, and it's just a horrible idea, said Hyde.

When it's this bitter cold, it's a good idea to take the advice of keeping the water running and turning the heat up.

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Plumber offers tips on avoiding frozen pipes in subzero temps