How to Prevent Pipes From Freezing

Preventing pipes from freezing is important and any plumber can tell you, their busiest times are when there is a several day cold snap. Temperatures that linger in the teens and below are not only hazardous to you, but to your home too.  About a quarter of a million homes sustain damage from broken pipes every winter. Here’s how to avoid a similar fate. You’ll need pipe insulation and caulk.

Prevent Pipes from Freezing: Step 1

Unhook, drain and store outdoor hoses. Close any inside water valves that supply outdoor hose spigots. Leave outdoor spigot valves open to allow water to drain out. Remember to drain water from the supply lines that run to your swimming pool and sprinkler system.

Insulate: Step 2

Find exposed pipes in unheated areas, such as basements, attics, crawl-spaces, and garages, and install insulation such as pipe sleeves, heat cable, or heat tape, on both cold and hot water pipes. Remember to use insulation products approved by an independent testing organization.

Caulk: Step 3

Use caulk to seal any areas where cold air can come in from. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes.

Close the Door: Step 4

Keep the garage door closed whenever possible to keep pipes in that space from freezing. You’d be amazed at how many people leave their garage door open all day and then are surprised to find their pipes have frozen.

Open Cabinets: Step 5

Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets on exterior walls to allow warm air to circulate around pipes. It won’t be attractive but it’s a smart move to keep the pipes intact.

Drip Water: Step 6

Let warm water drip from an exterior-wall faucet overnight when below-freezing temperatures persist. It’s so simple, yet so effective!

Set the Thermostat: Step 7

Keep the thermostat above 55 degrees – don’t get caught off guard by a flooding basement! Did you know that even a small crack in a pipe can leak up to 250 gallons of water a day? Well, it can!