As winter approaches, preparing your home for freezing temperatures is crucial, and one of the biggest risks homeowners face is frozen pipes. When water freezes inside pipes, it expands, which can lead to cracks or bursts. The result? Expensive water damage and emergency plumbing repairs. Fortunately, there are several strategies to prevent frozen pipes, ensuring your home stays safe and dry all winter. Below are some key tips for keeping your plumbing system protected from freezing temperatures.

1. Insulate Vulnerable Pipes

Pipes in unheated or poorly insulated areas of your home, such as basements, attics, crawl spaces, and garages, are more susceptible to freezing. Installing pipe insulation is one of the most effective ways to prevent this. Foam pipe insulation, fiberglass wrap, or even electric heat cables can help regulate the temperature of your pipes. Don’t forget to insulate pipes near exterior walls, as these areas are exposed to colder temperatures.

2. Keep Your Home Warm

Maintaining a consistent indoor temperature is another way to reduce the risk of frozen pipes. Even when you’re not at home, set your thermostat to at least 55°F (13°C). Lowering your thermostat to save on heating costs might seem like a good idea, but it can put your pipes in danger of freezing if the temperature inside your home drops too much.

3. Seal Air Leaks

Gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and pipe entry points can allow cold air to seep into your home, increasing the likelihood of frozen pipes. Use caulk, weatherstripping, or spray foam to seal these openings and keep cold drafts out. This simple step not only helps protect your pipes but also improves your home's overall energy efficiency.

4. Keep Water Flowing

Moving water is less likely to freeze. On particularly cold nights, let your faucets drip slightly—just enough to keep water flowing through the pipes. Even a small trickle can prevent pressure from building up in the pipes, reducing the risk of a burst if water does freeze.

5. Open Cabinets for Air Circulation

Pipes under sinks are often located in cabinets where air circulation is limited. During freezing temperatures, open your kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warm air to reach the pipes. This can help prevent them from freezing, especially if the pipes are located against exterior walls.

6. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses

Water left in outdoor hoses can freeze, expand, and cause damage to the hose or connected pipes. Before winter sets in, disconnect all hoses, drain them, and store them indoors. Shut off and drain any outdoor faucets to prevent water from freezing inside those pipes.

7. Install Heat Cables for Extra Protection

For pipes that are particularly vulnerable to freezing, such as those in unheated areas, consider installing heat cables. These cables provide a consistent source of heat directly to the pipes, keeping them warm even in frigid conditions. Heat cables come in self-regulating or manual models, and they can be an extra layer of defense in extremely cold weather.

8. Prepare for Extended Time Away

If you plan to be away from home for an extended period during the winter, take additional precautions to avoid frozen pipes. Shut off the water supply and drain the pipes to ensure no water is left to freeze inside them. Alternatively, ask a trusted neighbor to check your home regularly to ensure the heat is on and no pipes have frozen.

Quick Tips Recap:

Insulate pipes in cold, unheated areas.
Seal gaps around doors and windows to prevent drafts.
Keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F (13°C), even when you're away.
Let faucets drip during extremely cold weather.
Open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses to prevent freezing.
Install heat cables on vulnerable pipes for added protection.

Trust Oehl Plumbing and Heating to Winter-Proof Your Pipes!

Taking a few proactive steps now can save you from major headaches and expensive repairs later. Whether it’s insulating exposed pipes, sealing gaps, or keeping your home warm, these tips will help keep your pipes safe throughout the winter.

If you need professional help winterizing your plumbing or experience frozen pipes, don't hesitate to reach out to Oehl Plumbing and Heating. Our experienced team can assist with all your HVAC and plumbing needs to ensure your home stays protected during the coldest months of the year.

Tips for Keeping Your Pipes from Freezing in the Winter