It’s going to get pretty cold this weekend. With temps diving below zero, Milwaukee’s Professional Plumbers & Contractors (PPC), have a few tips to avoid frozen pipes and drains.

1. Water Pipes that Run Along an Outside Wall. Bathroom vanities often have water pipes that run along an outside wall to the home. To prevent pipes from freezing in the event of a prolonged winter deep freeze, open the vanity doors to let the room air mix with the cold air along the outside wall. You can also also use a blow dryer to warm up the wall, however don’t use a torch.

2. Frozen Pipes. Opening a faucet so that there is a tiny steady drip can keep pipes from freezing, however if the pipe remains frozen for a prolonged length of time (one day or longer), call a plumber. Frozen pipes can burst and cause leakage.

3. Frozen Drains. There are chemicals available through local plumbers or area hardware stores that will clear and thaw frozen drains. Again, if the drain remains frozen for one day or longer, call a plumber. This can also result in frozen pipes that burst and cause leakage.

4. Inadequate Flushing Toilets. When toilets flush poorly or pipes drain slowly, it may be a sign that there is a blocked vent pipe on the roof. You need to get on the roof to clear any excessive snow in and around the main vent pipe.

Got more questions? You’ll find plumbing professionals all in one place at the Home Builders Expo at the Midwest Airlines Center in Milwaukee this weekend. Stop by the PPC booth and they’ll be able to help you out.