With lower temperatures, the risk of frozen pipes becomes a real concern for homeowners. To avoid the costly damage that can result from freezing and bursting, it’s essential to winterize pipes before the cold truly sets in.
But what does it mean to “winterize” pipes? In simple terms, winterizing is a set of steps to protect your plumbing from freezing temperatures, ensuring water continues flowing safely through your home.
Here are seven essential tips to help you winterize your pipes and keep your plumbing in top shape through the cold months.
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, garages, and crawl spaces are at the highest risk of freezing. To keep them warm, wrap them in foam pipe insulation—it’s affordable, easy to install, and makes a big difference.
For pipes that have caused trouble in past winters, heat tape is a solid option to add extra warmth where it’s needed most.
2. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
It’s easy to overlook, but leaving hoses attached to outdoor faucets can be a big mistake in winter. Any water trapped inside can freeze, expand, and damage your faucet or connected pipes. Disconnect all hoses, let them drain completely, and store them indoors.
If possible, turn off the water supply to outdoor faucets and open them up to drain any last drops.
3. Seal Gaps and Cracks
Even the smallest gaps around pipes can quickly let in cold air, leading to frozen pipes. Check around areas where pipes enter and exit your home and seal any gaps with caulk or expanding foam.
Not only does this keep pipes warmer, but it also keeps your home more energy-efficient—a win-win!
4. Keep your Home’s Thermostat Consistent
Set your thermostat at a consistent temperature, day and night, to keep your entire home (and your pipes) safe. If you’re heading out for a winter vacation, don’t let the temperature drop below 55°F, even if no one’s home.
Keeping the house warm can be the difference between a peaceful winter and a pricey pipe repair.
5. Open Cabinet Doors in Kitchens and Bathrooms
If your kitchen or bathroom pipes run along exterior walls, they’re at a higher risk of freezing. Open those cabinet doors on especially cold nights to let warm air circulate around the pipes.
It’s an easy step that can go a long way toward keeping everything running smoothly.
6. Let Faucets Drip on Freezing Nights
On the coldest nights, let your faucets drip a bit. Keeping water moving through the pipes prevents them from freezing. This tip is particularly helpful for pipes in unheated areas or spaces that tend to get chilly.
7. Know How to Shut Off the Main Water Valve
If a pipe does freeze and burst, you’ll want to act fast to minimize water damage. Knowing where your main water shut-off valve is (and how to use it) can be a huge help in an emergency.
Make sure it’s accessible and everyone in the house knows where to find it.
Winterize Pipes for a Worry-Free Winter
Winterizing your pipes is a small task that makes a big difference. By taking these steps now, you’re setting yourself up for a winter free of plumbing hassles and frozen pipe worries.
If you’d like some extra help, contact us at Beis Plumbing. We’re here to make sure your home stays warm, safe, and ready to take on the winter.
