As temperatures drop during the winter months, frozen pipes become a serious risk for homeowners. Not only can frozen pipes disrupt your water supply, but they can also burst, leading to costly water damage and repairs. The good news is that with the right precautions, you can greatly reduce the chance of frozen pipes in your home.
Why Frozen Pipes Are a Problem
When water inside a pipe freezes, it expands. This expansion puts pressure on the pipe walls, often leading to cracks or bursts. Even a small leak from a burst pipe can release gallons of water into your home in a short amount of time, damaging floors, walls, and belongings.
Insulate Your Pipes
One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent frozen pipes is to insulate them. Focus on pipes in unheated or exposed areas such as basements, attics, garages, and crawl spaces. Foam pipe insulation is inexpensive, easy to install, and provides an added layer of protection against freezing temperatures.
Keep a Steady Temperature
During cold snaps, it’s important to keep your home’s temperature consistent. Avoid lowering your thermostat drastically at night or while you’re away. Maintaining indoor temperatures above 55°F ensures that warm air continues to circulate and protects vulnerable pipes.
Let Faucets Drip
Allowing faucets to drip slightly during extreme cold can relieve pressure in the plumbing system and reduce the chance of a freeze. This is especially useful for faucets connected to pipes along exterior walls or in uninsulated spaces.
Open Cabinet Doors
Pipes located under sinks are especially vulnerable to freezing because they’re often against exterior walls. By opening cabinet doors, you allow warm air from your home to circulate around the pipes, keeping them warmer and reducing the risk of freezing.
Seal Drafts and Leaks
Cold air can easily enter your home through cracks, holes, or gaps near plumbing lines. Use caulk or insulation to seal these openings, especially around areas where pipes enter from outside. This simple step helps keep cold air out and warm air in.
Drain and Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
Outdoor plumbing fixtures are especially prone to freezing. Before winter sets in, disconnect garden hoses, drain outdoor faucets, and shut off water supply lines leading to outdoor spigots. Installing frost-proof faucets can also provide extra protection.
What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze
If you suspect a frozen pipe, act quickly. Turn off the water supply to prevent flooding, and carefully apply gentle heat to the pipe using a space heater, hair dryer, or heating pad. Never use open flames. If the pipe has already burst, contact a professional plumber immediately.
Protect Your Home from Frozen Pipes
Preventing frozen pipes is far easier and less expensive than repairing the damage they cause. By insulating pipes, maintaining consistent indoor temperatures, and sealing cold drafts, you can safeguard your home this winter.
For expert plumbing help and peace of mind all season long, contact Smith's Plumbing Services at (901) 290-1110. Our team is here to ensure your home stays protected, no matter how low the temperatures drop.