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Tips for Keeping Your Pipes from Freezing in the Winter

Frozen icicles on a gray pipe after a thaw in winter.
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Winter brings cold temperatures that can wreak havoc on your plumbing system. Frozen pipes are not only an inconvenience but can also lead to costly repairs if they burst. Fortunately, with a bit of preparation and regular maintenance, you can keep your pipes safe and functional during the colder months. Here are some practical tips to protect your plumbing and avoid wintertime headaches.

Why Do Pipes Freeze?

When temperatures drop below freezing, the water inside your pipes can turn to ice, causing it to expand. This expansion puts pressure on the walls of your pipes, which can lead to cracks or even bursts. Unheated spaces, like basements, attics, and garages, are especially vulnerable, but even pipes in less insulated areas of your home can freeze if the weather gets cold enough.

The key to preventing frozen pipes is to maintain warmth around your plumbing and keep water moving through your system.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

  1. Insulate Your Pipes Pipe insulation is a simple yet effective way to protect your plumbing. Focus on pipes in unheated areas, such as crawlspaces, attics, and garages. Foam pipe insulation sleeves or wrapping pipes with heat tape can make a big difference.

  2. Keep Your Home Warm Even when you’re away, maintain a consistent indoor temperature of at least 55°F. Open interior doors to allow warm air to circulate throughout your home and reach areas with exposed pipes.

  3. Seal Drafts Check for drafts around windows, doors, and your home’s foundation. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal gaps and keep cold air out. Pay special attention to areas near water lines.

  4. Let Faucets Drip During extreme cold, allow a small trickle of water to flow from your faucets. Moving water is less likely to freeze, and this small step can relieve pressure in the pipes, reducing the risk of bursts.

  5. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses Leaving garden hoses connected can trap water in the faucet or pipes, increasing the risk of freezing. Disconnect and drain hoses, and shut off any outdoor water supplies.

Quick Tips for Pipe Protection

  • Keep cabinet doors open under sinks to let warm air reach pipes.
  • Use space heaters cautiously in unheated areas, ensuring they’re kept at a safe distance from flammable materials.
  • Drain your sprinkler system and shut off exterior faucets to prevent freezing.

What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze

Despite your best efforts, pipes may still freeze. If this happens, take immediate action:

  • Turn off the water supply to prevent potential bursts.
  • Use a hairdryer, heating pad, or warm towels to thaw the pipe. Never use an open flame.
  • Call a professional plumber if you’re unable to locate the frozen pipe or safely thaw it.

At Patterson Plumbing & Heating, Inc., we understand how essential it is to keep your home running smoothly during winter. If you need help winterizing your plumbing or addressing frozen pipes, our team is just a call away. Let us help you stay warm, safe, and stress-free this winter season! Call us today at (719) 496-4939 to learn more.
 

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