Tips for Keeping Your Pipes from Freezing in the Winter

Looking down on a ruptured frozen copper water line
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Winter brings its own set of challenges for homeowners, and one of the most common problems is frozen pipes. When water freezes, it expands, which can cause pipes to burst, leading to costly repairs and water damage. Fortunately, there are several preventative measures you can take to keep your pipes from freezing during the colder months.

By preparing in advance and following a few simple tips, you can protect your plumbing systems and avoid the headaches that come with frozen pipes.

1. Insulate Your Pipes

The most effective way to prevent your pipes from freezing is to insulate them properly. Focus on areas where pipes are exposed to cold air, such as in the basement, attic, garage, or crawl spaces. Foam pipe insulation or heat tape can help protect your pipes by keeping them warm during extreme temperatures.

  • Use foam pipe sleeves or rubber insulation to cover exposed pipes.
  • Apply heat tape or heating cables to particularly vulnerable pipes.
  • Don’t forget to insulate both hot and cold water pipes.

2. Keep Your Home Warm

Maintaining a consistent temperature in your home is essential to prevent frozen pipes. Even when you’re away or asleep, keep the thermostat set to at least 55°F (12°C). This will ensure that your home stays warm enough to prevent water inside the pipes from freezing.

  • Avoid lowering the thermostat too much at night.
  • If you’re traveling, keep the heat on to protect your pipes from freezing.

3. Let Faucets Drip

Allowing a small trickle of water to run through your faucets can prevent freezing. Moving water is less likely to freeze, and the slight drip can relieve any pressure that builds up within the pipes if they do begin to freeze.

  • Let faucets connected to exterior walls drip slightly during very cold weather.
  • This method is particularly helpful for more vulnerable pipes, like those under sinks or in unheated spaces.

4. Open Cabinet Doors

Pipes located under sinks or in cabinets can benefit from the heat circulating inside your home. By leaving cabinet doors open, you allow warm air to flow around the pipes, reducing the chances of freezing.

  • Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warm air to reach pipes.
  • This is especially important if the pipes are on an exterior wall.

5. Seal Cracks and Gaps

Cold air can easily seep through cracks in the walls or foundation, making your pipes more susceptible to freezing. Inspect your home for any gaps or openings that could allow cold air to reach the pipes and seal them to keep the heat inside.

  • Check around windows, doors, and vents for drafts.
  • Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal any gaps or cracks.

6. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses

One of the simplest ways to prevent frozen pipes is to disconnect and store your outdoor hoses. Leaving hoses connected to outdoor faucets can cause water to freeze inside the hose and lead to pressure buildup, which can damage both the hose and your pipes.

  • Drain and store garden hoses indoors during the winter.
  • Shut off and drain outdoor faucets or install frost-free spigots.

7. Keep Garage Doors Closed

If you have water supply lines running through your garage, make sure to keep the garage doors closed, especially during cold spells. Keeping the garage warmer will help protect the pipes from freezing temperatures.

Call Facilities Plumbing & Drain for Winter Plumbing Solutions!

Winterizing your home’s plumbing system is a crucial step in avoiding frozen pipes and the damage they can cause. By insulating your pipes, keeping your home warm, and taking additional precautions like letting faucets drip and sealing gaps, you can reduce the risk of frozen pipes during the winter. With these simple tips, you can enjoy a worry-free winter season and avoid costly plumbing repairs.

Reach out to Facilities Plumbing & Drain today at (650) 750-7144 to learn more.