Preventing Frozen Pipes in Winter: Essential Tips to Protect Your Home

Winter is here, bringing cold temperatures and the potential for a common homeowner headache: frozen pipes. Not only can frozen pipes disrupt your water supply, but they can also burst, causing costly damage to your home. Thankfully, with a bit of preparation and the right strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of this happening. Here’s how:

1. Understand Why Pipes Freeze: Pipes freeze when temperatures drop below 32°F (0°C), especially in unheated or poorly insulated areas of your home. The water inside the pipes expands as it freezes, increasing pressure and potentially causing the pipe to rupture. Preventing this starts with keeping water flowing and temperatures above freezing.

2. Insulate Vulnerable Pipes: Pipes in unheated areas, like basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, or exterior walls, are most at risk. Here’s how to insulate them:

• Use Pipe Insulation: Wrap exposed pipes with foam insulation sleeves or heat tape designed for pipes.
• Seal Gaps: Check for gaps around pipes that allow cold air to enter, and seal them with caulk or expanding foam.

3. Keep Your Home Warm: Maintaining consistent indoor temperatures is crucial during freezing weather:

• Set Your Thermostat: Keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F (12.8°C), even if you're away.
• Open Cabinet Doors: Allow warm air to circulate around pipes under sinks in the kitchen and bathrooms.
• Close Garage Doors: If you have water supply lines in your garage, keeping the door closed will help maintain warmth.

4. Let Faucets Drip:  Running water doesn’t freeze as easily. During extreme cold snaps:

• Let a trickle of water run from faucets connected to vulnerable pipes.
• Focus on the faucets farthest from the main water supply to keep the entire system active.

5. Protect Outdoor Plumbing: Don’t overlook your exterior pipes and faucets:

• Disconnect Hoses: Remove garden hoses and drain outdoor faucets before the first freeze.
• Install Faucet Covers: Use insulated faucet covers to protect outdoor spigots.
• Drain Sprinkler Systems: If you have a lawn irrigation system, ensure it’s drained and winterized.

6. Take Precautions Before Leaving Home: If you’re planning to be away during winter, don’t forget these tips:

• Leave your heat on and set it to at least 55°F (12.8°C).
• Shut off and drain your home’s water supply to prevent frozen water in the pipes.

7. Be Prepared for Emergencies: Despite your best efforts, pipes can still freeze in extreme conditions. Know what to do:

• Thaw Safely: Use a hairdryer, heating pad, or space heater to warm the frozen area gradually. Avoid open flames or high heat, which can damage pipes.
• Call a Professional: If you’re unsure or unable to thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.

The Bottom Line
Preventing frozen pipes is about preparation and vigilance. Insulating pipes, maintaining a warm home, and taking proactive steps during cold snaps can save you from the expense and inconvenience of water damage. As part of your winter readiness, consider reviewing your homeowners' insurance policy to ensure you’re covered for burst pipes and related damages.

​Need More Help?
If you have questions about protecting your home or your insurance coverage, our team at ROC Insurance Group is here to help. Contact us today to ensure you’re winter-ready and well-protected.