How to Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter

Winter brings the risk of frozen pipes, which can lead to bursts, flooding, and expensive repairs. Preventing frozen pipes is much easier and less costly than dealing with the aftermath of a pipe burst. Here’s how to protect your home’s plumbing during cold weather.

Identify Vulnerable Pipes

Start by identifying which pipes in your home are most at risk. These typically include:

• Pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, and garages
• Pipes running along exterior walls
• Outdoor spigots and irrigation systems
• Pipes in cabinets under sinks on exterior walls

Insulate Exposed Pipes

One of the most effective preventative measures is insulating vulnerable pipes:

• Use foam pipe insulation sleeves, which are inexpensive and easy to install
• Apply heat tape or thermostatically-controlled heat cables for pipes at high risk
• Seal leaks that allow cold air to enter where pipes are located
• Consider adding insulation to areas like basements and crawl spaces

Maintain Consistent Heat

Keep your home heated to at least 55°F, even when you’re away. This consistent temperature helps prevent interior pipes from freezing. If you’ll be away for an extended period during winter, consider these additional steps:

• Ask a friend or neighbor to check your house regularly
• Shut off and drain the water system
• Install a smart thermostat that alerts you to temperature drops

Allow Faucets to Drip

During extremely cold weather, allow faucets connected to vulnerable pipes to drip slightly. Running water, even at a trickle, helps prevent freezing. Focus on faucets furthest from where water enters your home.

Keep Cabinet Doors Open

Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around plumbing, especially if sinks are on exterior walls.

What to Do If Pipes Freeze

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, you likely have a frozen pipe. Some steps to take:

• Keep the faucet open as you treat the frozen pipe
• Apply heat to the frozen section using an electric heating pad, hair dryer, or portable space heater (never use open flame devices)
• Continue applying heat until full water pressure is restored
• Check all other faucets for additional frozen pipes

If you cannot locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call Wade’s Plumbing & Septic immediately. We provide 24/7 emergency services to help protect your home from water damage.

Taking these preventative measures can save you from the inconvenience and expense of dealing with burst pipes during the coldest months of the year.