In this blog, we’ll share 10 proven tips to prevent frozen pipes in winter, helping you avoid the stress and cost of dealing with frozen plumbing.
As winter temperatures drop, one of the most common and costly plumbing problems homeowners face is frozen pipes. Not only can frozen pipes lead to significant water damage, but they can also result in expensive repairs and inconveniences. The good news? With the right precautions, you can prevent pipes from freezing in the first place.
10 Proven Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Winter
1. Insulate Pipes in Vulnerable Areas
The most effective way to prevent freezing is to insulate your pipes, especially those located in unheated areas like basements, attics, garages, and crawl spaces. Insulation materials such as foam sleeves, fiberglass, or heat tape can provide an extra layer of protection against the cold.
Action Tip: Use pipe insulation products that fit snugly around your pipes, and consider adding extra layers if your region experiences particularly harsh winters.
2. Let Faucets Drip During Extreme Cold
When temperatures plunge, let a faucet drip slowly. This maintains water flow through the pipes, reducing the risk of them freezing. The moving water is less likely to freeze compared to standing water.
Action Tip: Open both hot and cold taps slightly in areas where pipes are most vulnerable (like in cabinets or exterior walls).
3. Keep Cabinet Doors Open
Pipes running through kitchen and bathroom cabinets, particularly those on exterior walls, are prone to freezing. By leaving cabinet doors open, you allow warmer air from the home to circulate around the pipes, reducing the risk of freezing.
Action Tip: If you have pipes under sinks in exterior walls, leave the cabinet doors open overnight during particularly cold stretches.
4. Seal Gaps and Cracks Around Pipes
Small gaps and cracks in walls, floors, and around windows can let in cold air, which increases the risk of pipe freezing. Seal these openings with caulking, foam, or spray insulation to help keep cold air out.
Action Tip: Check around areas where pipes enter your home, such as around exterior faucets, vents, and utility lines, and fill any gaps you find.
5. Keep the Heat On
Of all our tips to prevent frozen pipes in winter, this is the most critical one! Even if you’re going away on vacation or leaving your home for an extended period, keep the thermostat set to at least 55°F (13°C). If the temperature inside your home drops too low, pipes in unheated spaces may freeze and burst.
Action Tip: Consider using a smart thermostat to maintain a consistent temperature and monitor your home remotely, especially during winter storms or cold snaps.
6. Add Extra Insulation to Attics and Crawl Spaces
Uninsulated attics and crawl spaces are common culprits for frozen pipes. Adding extra insulation in these areas can help maintain a stable temperature for the pipes running through them.
Action Tip: Use spray foam or batt insulation in attics, crawl spaces, and around exposed pipes to add extra warmth and prevent heat loss.
7. Install Pipe Heating Cables or Heat Tape
Heat cables or heat tape are electric heating elements that can be wrapped around pipes to keep them warm during extreme cold. These can be particularly useful for pipes in very exposed or unheated areas.
Action Tip: Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation, and never leave heat tape on when you’re away for long periods.
8. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
Before the cold weather sets in, disconnect all outdoor hoses and drain any remaining water from faucets and irrigation systems. This will prevent water from freezing inside the hoses or the faucet pipes, which could cause them to burst. You’ve probably heard this tip to prevent frozen pipes in winter from a long list of people, but we wanted to bring it up again to be safe.
Action Tip: Install frost-proof outdoor faucets if you live in an area prone to freezing temperatures.
9. Use Space Heaters in Vulnerable Areas
If you have a pipe running through an area that is particularly susceptible to freezing, consider using a space heater to keep the air warm. This is especially useful in garages, basements, or other areas that aren’t regularly heated.
Action Tip: Place space heaters near exposed pipes, but always follow safety guidelines to avoid fire hazards.
10. Monitor Weather Conditions & Act Early
Monitoring the weather is key to preventing frozen pipes. If you’re expecting a cold front, take precautions before the temperature drops. In extreme cases, you may want to shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets and drain the pipes ahead of time.
Action Tip: Keep a thermometer in vulnerable areas like attics and basements to monitor temperature fluctuations. If temperatures are expected to drop dramatically, take action immediately to protect your pipes.
Conclusion: Protect Your Pipes, Protect Your Home
There’s likely many more tips to prevent frozen pipes in winter, but these are some of the basic ones that we thought of! Frozen pipes can cause significant damage, but with a few proactive steps, you can prevent this common winter disaster. From insulating your pipes to monitoring the temperature in vulnerable areas, these tips will help ensure that your plumbing system stays safe and functional all season long.
By following these tips to prevent frozen pipes in winter, you can avoid expensive repairs, minimize water damage, and keep your home warm and comfortable throughout the coldest months.
If you’re concerned about your pipes or need assistance with winter-proofing your plumbing system, don’t hesitate to contact a professional plumber for advice and services. Early prevention is the key to avoiding headaches later.
Call to Action:
Are you ready to protect your home from frozen pipes this winter? Contact us today for a winter plumbing inspection and expert advice on keeping your pipes safe!
