Houses covered in snow with snowdrifts, illustrating winter conditions and the importance of plumbing maintenance to prevent frozen pipes.

Are Your Pipes Ready for Winter?

Preparing the Plumbing System for Winter 

As the Autumn leaves fall, the temperature begins to drop, and the countdown to the first snow begins. Once the temperature starts dropping outside, homeowners should take steps to keep their pipes warm and water running throughout the winter. The highest risk is to pipes located in unheated places such as the garage, basement, attic, and water sprinkler lines. 

Fortunately, homeowners can take steps to prevent frozen pipes by winterizing them. Winterizing plumbing pipes is a way to prepare for plummeting temperatures and avoid pipe bursts.

The Dangers of Burst PipesClose-up of a damaged blue pipe showing corrosion and a hole, highlighting risks of burst pipes in winter plumbing systems.

Burst pipes are one of the top causes of property damage in the winter months and can result in thousands of dollars in water damage. When water freezes, it expands. This expansion puts enormous pressure on the pipes regardless of whether the pipe is plastic or metal. It doesn’t matter how durable the pipe is; expanding water can cause it to break. Frozen pipes can crack, spilling hundreds of gallons of water into the home.

Preventing frozen pipes is much less expensive and frustrating than cleaning up after the pipes burst. Some simple ways to prevent this plumbing emergency include: 

  • Keep the Garage Door Closed: This is especially important for homeowners with water lines running through their garage. Garages are usually one of the coldest areas in a house with smooth, concrete floors and minimal insulation. Keeping the garage closed will also retain heat in the home, reducing heating bills too.
  • Let the Faucets Drip: Keep at least one faucet dripping when temperatures begin to drop around the freezing point. Choose the furthest faucet from the main water source so the water can flow through the entire pipe system.

How Pipe Insulation Helpspipes

The best way to protect pipes from freezing is to buy specially designed pipe insulation. When insulating pipes, pay particular attention to the pipes located in unheated areas such as the basement, crawl spaces, garage, attic, and exterior walls. 

The most common pipe insulators are made from foam, polyethylene, or fiberglass. These materials are not overly expensive and are quick and easy to install. Homeowners can also find pipe insulation that comes in a clamshell design, which essentially fits over the pipe, making it extremely easy to seal in place.

In addition to protecting the plumbing, added insulation can also help decrease energy bills as it preserves the heat while water travels to faucets and fixtures. Homeowners will also enjoy a shorter wait for hot water.

Additionally, insulation reduces condensation, which can pool water, preventing corrosion and avoiding the risk of water damage. 

Top Burst Pipe Prevention Tips

While burst pipe repair should be handled by professionals—who can also help homeowners with winterizing—homeowners can still do many things to protect their homes. Some top winter plumbing tips include: 

  • Open cabinets under the sinks in bathrooms and kitchen. This will allow heated air to circulate.
  • Set the thermostat to at least 55 degrees, particularly for homeowners that are away from home for an extended period.
  • Protect outdoor faucets and pipes in unheated areas with pipe insulation.
  • Cover the vents around the house’s foundation.
  • Drain water hoses and put them away for the winter.
  • Locate the water shut-off valve to prevent extensive damage in the event of a pipe burst.

Contact About Plumbing Inc.

The best way to protect the home during the winter is to work with a dependable plumbing company. With over 20 years of plumbing experience, About Plumbing Inc. is the company Jefferson County, MO can always count on for plumbing service. Contact them today for plumbing help. 

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