Winter brings chilly temperatures that can be tough on your home’s plumbing. When water freezes inside your pipes, it expands, creating immense pressure that can lead to cracks and bursts. A burst pipe can cause significant water damage and costly repairs. Taking a few preventive steps before the first freeze sets in can save you a lot of trouble. This list gives you five simple yet effective ways to protect your plumbing from the cold, keeping your home safe and dry throughout the season.
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Pipes located in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, attics, and garages are most vulnerable to freezing. You can protect them by wrapping them with insulation. Pipe sleeves made from foam or fiberglass are available at most hardware stores and are easy to install. Simply cut the sleeves to the desired length and fit them around the pipes.
For a more budget-friendly option, you can use heat tape or cables specifically designed for this purpose. Insulating these pipes helps maintain a consistent water temperature, keeping your home comfortable year-round.
2. Seal Cracks and Openings
Cold air can find its way into your house through tiny openings and cracks in your walls, foundation, and around window frames. These drafts can cause nearby pipes to freeze, even if they are inside. Carefully inspect the exterior and interior of your home for any gaps, especially where utility lines enter.
Use caulk or weather stripping to seal these openings tightly. This simple step not only protects your pipes but also improves your home’s energy efficiency by preventing heat from escaping.
3. Drain Outdoor Faucets
Outdoor faucets, also known as hose bibs, are one of the most common sources of winter plumbing problems. To prepare them for the cold, find the shutoff valve for each outdoor faucet, you can usually find it located your home near the faucet. Turn the valve to the off position.
Then, go outside and turn on the faucet to let any remaining water drain out completely. Leaving the faucet open for the winter prevents any trapped water from freezing, expanding, and damaging the fixture or the connecting pipe.
4. Disconnect and Store Hoses
Leaving garden hoses connected to outdoor faucets is a common mistake that can cause serious damage. When a hose is attached, it traps water in the faucet, preventing it from draining properly. If this water freezes, the pressure can crack the faucet or the pipe it connects to inside your wall.
After draining your outdoor faucets, disconnect all your hoses. Drain them of any remaining water, then store them in a protected area, such as a garage or shed. Following these steps helps confirm your plumbing is ready for all seasonal changes.
5. Adjust Your Thermostat
Keeping your home’s temperature consistent is a reliable way to prevent your pipes from freezing. If you plan to be away from home for an extended period during winter, do not turn your heat off completely. Instead, keep your thermostat at a steady temperature of at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature allows warm air to circulate and reach your pipes, especially those located in exterior walls.
For extra protection on extremely cold nights, you can open cabinet doors under sinks to let warmer room air circulate around the plumbing.
By taking these proactive measures, you can protect your plumbing system from the harsh effects of winter. A little preparation now goes a long way toward preventing expensive and stressful repairs later. If you have any concerns about your home’s plumbing or need professional assistance, contact a trusted plumber to help you get your system winter-ready.
