Frozen pipes don’t just stop your water — a fully frozen line can burst and flood a home in a matter of hours. Most freeze-ups are preventable with a little prep before temperatures drop.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Pipes in unheated spaces — garages, crawl spaces, attics, exterior walls — are the most vulnerable. Foam pipe sleeves are inexpensive and take an afternoon to install.
Seal Drafts Near Plumbing
Cold air leaking in around dryer vents, pipe entry points, or foundation cracks can drop the temperature around a pipe fast. Caulk or foam sealant closes the gap.
Let Faucets Drip on the Coldest Nights
Moving water is much harder to freeze than still water. A slow, steady drip from the faucet farthest from your main shutoff relieves pressure and keeps water moving.
Keep the Heat On, Even When You’re Away
Don’t turn the heat off in an empty house during a cold snap. Setting the thermostat no lower than 55°F is usually enough to keep interior pipes safe.
Know Where Your Main Shutoff Is
If a pipe does freeze or burst, being able to shut off water immediately is the difference between a mess and a disaster. Find it now, before you need it in a hurry.
If you ever lose water pressure suddenly in cold weather, don’t wait to see if it thaws on its own — call us and we’ll help you find the problem before it becomes a flood.