How to Prevent Freezing Pipes

December 17, 2022 / in plumbing tips, seasonal / by Clayton Plumbers

Baby, it's cold outside! Here's what you need to know to prevent your pipes from freezing.

As winter approaches, it’s time to start preparing your home’s plumbing for the cold weather. When water freezes, it expands putting a large amount of pressure on your pipes. If they expand too far, these pipes will crack! Pipes that are at greater risk include lines that run along a home’s exterior walls, or unheated areas like a basement or attic.

Quick and Easy, Temporary Steps

to Prevent Pipes from Freezing

1. Keep your house warm

To prevent your pipes from freezing, it's important to keep your home warm. The colder your home is, the more likely it is that your pipes will freeze.Sinks that sit on an exterior wall are especially in danger of freezing. By opening vanity or cabinet doors, it will allow warm air into the space, keeping the lines thawed.

2. Disconnect any hoses

If you leave a garden hose attached, even a small amount of water can remain inside the hose / spigot causing it to freeze and burst. Don't run the risk of your pipes freezing and bursting.

3. Let your faucets lightly run

The steady flow of water prevents freezing and bursting pipes. Ensure both hot and cold are flowing.

4. Know where your main water shut-off valve is located

If the pipes in your home freeze and burst, it is important to locate the main water shut-off valve quickly to prevent further damage.

5. Call a Plumber

If your pipes freeze despite your best efforts, it's time to call a plumber who can quickly thaw them and restore your plumbing system. Reach out to JoCo Plumbing NC at 984-220-5296 or visit our website at jocoplumbingnc.com .

Permanent Protection

to Prevent Pipes from Freezing

1. Insulate your pipes

You can find pre-insulated pipe wraps at most hardware stores or use old towels to wrap them yourself, making sure to check for gaps or spaces where cold air can seeps in.

2. Replace Hosebibs

Replace your standard outdoor faucets with frost-proof models. Not matter what type of spigot you have, you still need to disconnect your garden hose at the end of the season prior to freezing weather.

3. Reroute pipes

If year after year your pipes freeze every season, you may want to consider rerouting your lines. Long-term freeze prevention can be a major project. Call in a professional plumber to assess your situation and make recommendations. Reach out to JoCo Plumbing NC at 984-220-5296 or visit our website at jocoplumbingnc.com .