Winter weather brings freezing temperatures. It’s not just unpleasant to be in, but freezing temperatures can present a danger to your property’s plumbing. When temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the water in your pipes has the potential to freeze. It doesn’t happen immediately, but with sustained freezing temperatures, water will freeze and expand in your pipes. Unfortunately,  pipe material cannot accommodate the excess pressure leading to leaks and bursts. 

Water damage from a leak or burst pipe can be expensive to repair and a headache to clean up. That’s why it’s critical to be proactive. With the right preventative measures, you can give yourself the best chance of avoiding frozen pipes destroying your property. 

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in the Winter

1. Insulate Vulnerable Pipes

Water lines in several areas of your property, like the garage, basement, and crawl space, are at high risk of freezing as they are exposed to the cold. Since your heating system does not typically touch these areas, you’ll need to insulate or seal them to prevent freezing. 

2. Clear Your Snow Drifts

As snow falls, it can pile up on the sides of your home, covering exhaust pipes from the water heater or furnace. These pipes are pressure sensitive, so if they are covered, they can shut down and prevent hot water or heat from being produced. Clear out snow drifts, especially around exhaust pipes, to prevent unexpected shutdowns. 

3. Let Faucets Drip

You can prevent frozen pipes by allowing a trickle of water to run from faucets on your property. It also helps relieve pressure buildups that could lead to a burst in the event the pipes do freeze. 

4. Keep Cabinet Doors Open

This tip might drive some homeowners crazy, but keeping your cabinet doors open can help pipes underneath stay warm. The warm air circulating in your home has a hard time reaching those areas unless the doors are open. This is especially important in the kitchen and bathrooms.

5. Keep a Consistent Indoor Temperature.

Preventing frozen pipes can be as easy as keeping indoor temperatures above at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Of course, to keep everyone comfortable, you’ll probably need to keep it higher. You may spend a little more on your heating bill, but it can help you avoid an astronomical repair and clean-up bill. 

6. Drain Water From Hoses and Pools Outside

As summer ends and winter begins, it’s important to ensure the garden hose, sprinkler system, and pool is fully drained. You’ll also need to close any shut-off valves that supply hoses. For extra winter protection, consider getting faucet covers as well.  

Bonus Tip: If You’re Heading Out for Vacation, Turn Off Your Water

Before heading out of the house for vacation, shut off your water supply and drain the system by turning on all faucets. When you return, shut off all faucets before turning the water supply on again. 

Frozen Pipe Disaster? Call the Pros

Despite your efforts to prevent frozen pipes, they can still occur and may lead to leaks or bursts. When it happens, you need to act fast to prevent water damage from worsening. Your first move should be shutting off the main water supply and calling Northeast Power Dry for water damage restoration services. 

Our team is available any time of the day, any day of the week. Equipped with advanced technology, we’ll mitigate water damage, help prevent mold build-up, and restore your property to its pre-loss condition. Reach us online or contact us for emergency services at (848) 359-5845.