Protect Your Home from Freezing Pipes This Winter

As winter temperatures drop, the risk of frozen pipes rises. When water freezes inside pipes, it can lead to significant damage, expensive repairs, and even water damage in your home. Fortunately, there are several simple and effective steps you can take to protect your plumbing and avoid costly issues this winter.

Abel Plumbing has some tips to help prevent your pipes from freezing and keep your home safe during the cold months.

Insulate Exposed Pipes

Pipes located in unheated areas of your home, such as basements, attics, garages, or crawl spaces, are particularly vulnerable to freezing. Insulating these pipes with foam pipe insulation or heat tape is one of the most effective ways to prevent freezing. If you don't have insulation, consider wrapping your pipes with towels or blankets in a pinch, though more permanent solutions are better for long-term protection.

Let Faucets Drip

When temperatures are expected to drop significantly, leave a small stream of water running from faucets connected to vulnerable pipes, such as those located along exterior walls or in uninsulated areas. Even a tiny drip can help relieve the pressure that builds up when water freezes to prevent pipes from bursting. 

Seal Gaps and Cracks

Check for drafts from small gaps or cracks in walls around windows, doors, and where pipes enter walls or floors. These gaps not only let in cold air, but can also expose your pipes to freezing temperatures. Seal any gaps with caulk or foam to keep cold air out and warm air in.

Keep Garage Doors Closed

If your garage has water supply lines, be sure to keep the garage doors closed during extreme cold. Keeping the doors shut helps maintain the temperature inside, especially if your garage is not insulated. If you have exposed pipes in the garage, consider using a space heater or insulating the walls to prevent freezing.

Open Cabinet Doors

If you have pipes under sinks (especially those on exterior walls), leave the cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes. This is particularly important during very cold spells, as the heat from your home can help prevent the pipes from freezing.

Maintain a Consistent Temperature

Maintaining a consistent, warm temperature inside your home is crucial in preventing frozen pipes. Ensure that your thermostat is set to at least 55°F (13°C) when you're away. If you're going on vacation during the winter, consider asking a neighbor or friend to check on your home or set up a smart thermostat to monitor the temperature.

Drain Outdoor Plumbing

Before the first frost hits, be sure to drain and disconnect any outdoor hoses, sprinkler systems, or pool equipment. Water left in outdoor pipes can freeze and cause cracks or ruptures. Store hoses indoors, and shut off the water supply to exterior spigots to prevent them from freezing.

Know Where Your Water Shutoff Valve Is

In the event that your pipes do freeze and burst, it’s essential to know where the main water shutoff valve is located. Turning off the water supply as soon as possible will minimize damage and reduce the amount of water leaking into your home. If you’re not sure where it is, take a few minutes to locate it now.

Consider Pipe Relocation or Upgrades

If you live in an area (like here in Minnesota) with extremely cold winters and your pipes are especially prone to freezing, you may want to consider relocating or upgrading vulnerable plumbing. In some cases, rerouting pipes to more insulated areas of your home, or using more freeze-resistant materials, can help protect your plumbing long-term. 

Monitor the Weather

Finally, keep an eye on the weather forecast, particularly if you know that freezing temperatures are on the way. Early preparation is key to preventing issues. If a cold snap is expected, take the steps above to ensure your pipes don’t freeze or burst this winter.

Staying proactive is the best way to avoid serious damage and costly repairs when the temperatures drop. If you find that your pipes have already frozen, or if you’d like to relocate or upgrade your pipes, contact Abel Plumbing for a free estimate.