Handy tips and tricks for frozen pipes

(WPRI) - With temperatures plummeting into the teens, pipes across Southern New England are freezing.

Plumbers say your best defense against frozen pipes is simply planning ahead. Tony Cellino, of Cellino Plumbing, says the cold can "sneak into your home through the cracks," so sealed windows and doors could be a quick solution.

Other fixes around the house include installing proper insulation, adding heat tape to water lines, and making sure cold air isn't creeping into dryer vents.

When pipes are already frozen, contact a plumber to properly fix the problem before the pipe bursts.

For those attempting to thaw themselves, experts suggest working backwards. Cellino says that "if you happen to apply heat in the middle of a frozen pipe, it could actually burst."