5 Essential Tips to Keep Your Pipes from Freezing

Winter brings its share of joys, from cozy fires to snow-covered landscapes, but it also comes with challenges, especially for homeowners. One common winter woe is frozen pipes, which can lead to costly repairs and water damage if they burst. Here are five practical tips to keep your pipes safe and functional during the cold months.

1. Insulate Your Pipes

Proper insulation is one of the most effective ways to prevent your pipes from freezing. Pipes located in unheated areas such as basements, attics, garages, or crawl spaces are particularly vulnerable. Use foam pipe insulation sleeves, heat tape, or fiberglass insulation to wrap exposed pipes.

For an extra layer of protection, consider installing pipe heating cables. These cables provide direct heat to pipes and are especially useful in areas with consistently freezing temperatures. When insulating, don’t forget outdoor faucets and hose bibs—cover them with insulated covers to minimize exposure to cold air.

2. Seal Off Drafts

Cold air drafts can significantly increase the risk of frozen pipes, particularly in areas like basements or under kitchen sinks. Inspect your home for gaps or cracks in the walls, floors, and windows where cold air might seep in. Use caulking or weather stripping to seal these gaps and keep your home’s warmth contained.

Pay special attention to areas where pipes enter or exit the house. Small gaps around these openings can let cold air flow directly onto the pipes, increasing the likelihood of freezing. Expanding foam insulation or rubber gaskets are great options to seal these spaces.

3. Keep Your Home Warm

Maintaining a consistent indoor temperature is crucial during winter. Even if you’re away from home, set your thermostat to at least 55°F (13°C) to prevent pipes from freezing. The extra energy cost is far less than the expense of repairing burst pipes and water damage.

To distribute heat evenly, open cabinet doors under sinks and in bathrooms to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes. For rooms that tend to stay colder, portable space heaters can provide additional warmth, but always use them safely and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.

4. Let Faucets Drip

Allowing a slow, steady drip from your faucets can help prevent pipes from freezing. When water flows through the pipes, it becomes less likely to freeze, even in extremely cold temperatures. Focus on faucets connected to vulnerable or exposed pipes, especially those located along exterior walls.

It’s also a good idea to leave both the hot and cold taps slightly open. This helps relieve any built-up pressure in the pipes, reducing the chance of a burst if freezing does occur. Remember, even a small trickle of water can make a significant difference.

5. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Water Lines

Outdoor water lines, such as garden hoses and sprinkler systems, are particularly susceptible to freezing. Disconnect and store garden hoses indoors, and close the shut-off valves that supply outdoor faucets. Drain any remaining water from the hoses and faucets to prevent ice from forming and causing damage.

For sprinkler systems, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to properly drain and winterize the system. Some systems may require compressed air to blow out residual water. Ensuring outdoor water lines are completely dry before freezing temperatures arrive can save you from unexpected repairs in spring.

Bonus Tips

• Know the Location of Your Shut-Off Valve: In case a pipe does freeze and burst, knowing where your main water shut-off valve is located can help you act quickly to minimize damage.
• Monitor the Weather: Stay aware of upcoming cold snaps and prepare your home in advance. Extreme temperature drops can significantly increase the risk of frozen pipes.
• Inspect Pipes Regularly: Make it a habit to check your pipes for signs of wear, corrosion, or leaks. Addressing these issues proactively can prevent bigger problems down the road.

The Bottom Line

Frozen pipes are a common yet preventable winter problem. By insulating your pipes, sealing drafts, maintaining a warm home, letting faucets drip, and properly winterizing outdoor water lines, you can safeguard your plumbing system against the cold. Taking these steps not only protects your home but also saves you from the inconvenience and expense of dealing with frozen or burst pipes. Start preparing your home today and enjoy a worry-free winter season.