How To: Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter

By Local Service Pro Plumbing | November 1, 2021 |

Ah, winter. Nothing beats winter. The cold, being in front of a fireplace, drinking a hot chocolate, and being close to relatives. What’s not so cool about winter? Having frozen pipes! So, how can you prevent them this winter?

Frozen Pipes: Why does this happen?

In the majority of the country, winter makes temperature drop tremendously and this takes water from a normal liquid state to a solid state as it freezes. Due to this, freezing and bursting pipes are something very common yet frustrating for so many people. And it’s not only the frustration of not having water but, the cost of repairing frozen pipes. Did you know that repairing them can easily cost $5,000 or more? But, it is really preventable?

Insulate Your Pipes

If you have pipes in your attic, try insulating your pipes even if the climate where you live doesn’t get to freezing “pipe bursting” temperatures. You can also wrap pipes in heat tape or heat cables with thermostat control but of course, this will depend on your home, climate, and a plumber’s thorough inspection.

Close Your Garage Door

Most of your home’s pipes will travel through your garage so, if you keep your door open, they are more vulnerable to freezing temperatures. Your garage already has a lower temperature than the rest of your home so, leaving the door accidentally open is just a disaster waiting to happen.

Let Your Faucets Drip

No, this doesn’t mean that you should leave faucets running all day long. We don’t want your water bill to be incredibly high at the end of the month! First, determine which ones come directly from exposed water pipes. Once you’ve discovered them, try to let those faucets drip, even a small trickle will do the trick. Why does this help? This helps prevent pipes from freezing since water will always be in constant movement and this produces a small amount of heat. Crazy right?

Frozen Pipes Already? Do this!

Preventing pipes from freezing is the ideal move but, it’s not always possible. So, what can you do if your pipes are already frozen?

Inspect Your Exposed Pipes

Try to see if your pipes have developed any frost on top since this can indicate a frozen pipe. Also, if you start to smell something strange coming from your pipes, this can also indicate a frozen pipe. And of course, having no running water is a clear indicator that your pipes are no longer with us!

Thaw Frozen Pipes

Of course, never do this without any safety or without a plumber’s point of view. First, try opening the faucet since running water can help defrost a pipe. Also, try wrapping the pipe in a heating pad or warm towel. And if you have a heater close by, turn it up and make sure it is facing the pipe you are trying to defrost.