How to Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter

When temperatures drop below freezing, the water inside exposed or poorly insulated pipes can freeze and expand, sometimes with enough force to crack the pipe entirely. A single frozen and burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water into your home in a matter of hours. The good news is that a few simple precautions can dramatically reduce your risk.

Insulate Pipes in Unheated Areas

Pipes running through basements, attics, crawl spaces, and garages are the most vulnerable to freezing because they’re farther from your home’s heat source. Wrapping these pipes with foam insulation sleeves is an inexpensive way to add a meaningful buffer against the cold.

Seal Gaps and Drafts

Cold air seeping in through cracks around doors, windows, and where pipes enter your home can drop the temperature around your plumbing enough to cause freezing. Caulking these gaps helps keep the space around your pipes warmer.

Let Faucets Drip During Extreme Cold

Keeping a faucet slightly open so water drips slowly relieves pressure in the pipe, since moving water is less likely to freeze than stagnant water. This is especially useful for faucets connected to pipes that run along exterior walls.

Keep Your Thermostat Consistent

Resist the urge to turn your thermostat down significantly overnight or while you’re away during a cold snap. Maintaining a steady, moderate temperature throughout your home helps keep interior pipes above freezing.

Know Where Your Main Shutoff Valve Is

If a pipe does freeze or burst despite your precautions, being able to quickly shut off your home’s main water supply can prevent a small problem from becoming a major flood. Take a moment now to locate it before winter arrives.

If you’re ever unsure whether your home is properly protected, or if you already have a frozen pipe, give us a call. We can help you winterize your plumbing before the cold sets in, or respond quickly if you’re dealing with an emergency.