Top 10 Tips to Prevent Pipes from Freezing
“Read through the Home Safety Tips below! We love the opportunity to teach people about Winter Preparedness.” - Warner Restoration
10 Top Tips for Homeowners to Prevent Pipes from Freezing in Cold Weather
When the temperature drops, frozen pipes are one of the biggest risks homeowners face. A burst pipe can cause extensive damage to your home, leading to costly repairs and a lot of stress. Thankfully, with a little preparation, you can safeguard your home and prevent pipes from freezing this winter. Here are 10 top tips to protect your plumbing:
1. Keep Your Home Warm
Maintain a consistent indoor temperature of at least 55°F, even if you’re not home. This ensures warm air circulates throughout your house and prevents pipes from freezing.
2. Let Faucets Drip
Allowing a small trickle of water to flow from faucets—especially those connected to pipes along exterior walls—relieves pressure in the plumbing system and helps prevent freezing.
3. Insulate Your Pipes
Wrap exposed pipes with foam pipe insulation or heat tape, focusing on areas like basements, garages, and crawl spaces where pipes are more vulnerable to freezing temperatures.
4. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
Remove and store garden hoses, then shut off water to outdoor faucets using the interior shut-off valve. Drain any remaining water and use insulated covers to protect outdoor spigots.
5. Seal Cracks and Gaps
Cold air can seep into your home through gaps near pipes. Use caulk or insulation to seal these openings and keep the cold air out.
6. Open Cabinet Doors
For sinks located along exterior walls, open the cabinet doors beneath them to allow warm air from your home to reach the pipes.
7. Prepare Your Home If You’re Away
If you’re traveling, keep your heat on and set the thermostat no lower than 55°F. Consider shutting off your water supply and draining the pipes to avoid problems while you’re gone.
8. Install Smart Water Monitoring Devices
Technology can help you stay ahead of potential plumbing problems. Use devices like pipe temperature monitors or water leak detectors to get real-time alerts if there’s an issue.
9. Use Space Heaters Safely
If certain areas of your home, like basements or garages, are particularly cold, use a space heater to keep the temperature above freezing. Always use heaters responsibly and avoid placing them near flammable materials.
10. Know How to Shut Off Your Water
In the event of a burst pipe, knowing where your main water shut-off valve is can save you from extensive damage. Take a moment to locate it and ensure everyone in your household knows how to use it.
Why Pipe Protection Matters
Frozen pipes aren’t just inconvenient—they can lead to expensive repairs and extensive water damage. By taking these preventive measures, you’ll save yourself time, money, and stress while ensuring your home stays safe this winter.
Pro Tip: Schedule a plumbing inspection before the coldest months hit to address any vulnerabilities in your system.
By implementing these 10 tips, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your pipes are protected no matter how low the temperature drops. For more helpful homeowner tips, be sure to check out our other posts and stay warm this winter.
Warner Home Safety Tips