Winter can be a magical time of year, but it’s also when freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing system. Frozen pipes aren’t just inconvenient—they can burst and cause significant water damage. Fortunately, with a few proactive steps, you can safeguard your pipes from freezing and keep your home running smoothly all winter long. Here’s everything you need to know, including how we can help if you prefer to leave it to the pros.
Why Do Pipes Freeze?
When temperatures drop below freezing, the water inside exposed or poorly insulated pipes can freeze. As water turns to ice, it expands, putting pressure on the pipe walls. If the pressure becomes too great, the pipe can crack or burst, leading to costly repairs and water damage.
Practical Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Pipes located in unheated areas like basements, attics, crawl spaces, and garages are most at risk. Use foam pipe insulation or heat tape to provide a protective barrier against the cold. Pay extra attention to pipes running along exterior walls.
2. Seal Drafts
Cold air can seep into your home through cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and foundation walls. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal these areas and keep cold air out. This simple step can also reduce your overall heating costs.
3. Keep Cabinet Doors Open
If you have pipes under kitchen or bathroom sinks, leave cabinet doors open to allow warm air from your home to circulate around them. This is especially important on very cold nights.
4. Let Faucets Drip
Allowing a slow drip of water from faucets connected to vulnerable pipes can prevent freezing by keeping the water moving. Even a tiny trickle can make a big difference during extreme cold.
5. Maintain a Consistent Indoor Temperature
Keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F, even if you’re leaving the house for an extended period. The consistent heat helps ensure that pipes in unheated areas don’t freeze.
6. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
Leaving a hose attached to an outdoor faucet can trap water in the line, increasing the risk of freezing. Disconnect all hoses, drain them, and store them indoors until spring.
7. Install Frost-Proof Outdoor Faucets
If you frequently deal with freezing temperatures, consider upgrading to frost-proof faucets or installing insulated faucet covers for added protection.
8. Use Heating Cables or Heat Tape
For pipes in extremely cold areas, heat cables or heat tape can provide direct warmth to prevent freezing. These products are easy to install and can make a significant difference.
What to Do If Pipes Freeze
If you suspect a pipe has frozen, act quickly to prevent it from bursting:
- Locate the frozen section by checking for frost or feeling for extremely cold spots.
- Use a hairdryer, heating pad, or portable space heater to gently warm the pipe. Never use an open flame or torch, as this can damage the pipe or start a fire.
- Turn on the faucet to allow water to flow as the ice melts.
If the pipe has already burst, shut off the water supply immediately and call a professional to minimize damage.
How We Can Help
Winterizing your plumbing system can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re short on time or unsure where to start. That’s where we come in. Our team offers comprehensive winterization services, including:
- Inspecting and insulating vulnerable pipes.
- Sealing gaps and drafts around your home.
- Installing heat cables or other preventative measures.
- Providing emergency assistance if pipes freeze or burst.
Whether you need help with a one-time winterization project or ongoing maintenance, we’re here to make sure your home stays safe and comfortable all season long. If you’d rather not tackle these tasks yourself, let us handle the hard work so you can focus on enjoying the winter.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Preventing frozen pipes is much easier—and cheaper—than dealing with a burst pipe and water damage. By taking the right precautions now, you can avoid unnecessary stress and expense during the coldest months of the year.
If you need assistance or want to learn more about our winterization services, contact us today. Together, we can ensure your home is ready to face the winter, no matter how cold it gets.