Wintertime Water Pipe Preservation Tips

February 01, 2025

As temperatures plummet and winter tightens its grip, the specter of frozen water pipes becomes a pressing concern for homeowners. Are your pipes adequately fortified against the bitter cold to stave off potential disasters?

Pipes situated below your home, along exterior walls, or in shallow ground such as sprinkler systems are especially susceptible to cracking and bursting when exposed to prolonged freezing temperatures. Even interior pipes in poorly insulated areas or subjected to power outages can fall victim to freezing, often resulting in cracks and bursts as they thaw.

But fret not! With proactive planning and preparation, you can shield your pipes from winter's icy grip. Here are some updated cold weather prep, prevention, and thawing tips to ensure your pipes remain intact and functional throughout the season:

Freeze Prevention Tips

1. Stay Informed: Keep a close watch on local weather forecasts and adjust your freeze prevention measures accordingly. It's wise to maintain protective measures until after the anticipated final freeze.

2. Maintain Consistent Temperature: Strive to keep your home's interior temperature steady, ideally at 55 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. This helps prevent pipes from reaching the critical freezing point of around 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Optimize Heat Circulation:

Keep garage doors closed whenever feasible to retain warmth.
Open all interior doors to promote better heat circulation throughout the house. Don't overlook bathroom cabinet doors, especially at night.

Pipe Thawing Tips

Should you discover frozen pipes—typically signaled by a lack of water flow or reduced water pressure—employ these additional steps to safely thaw them:

1. Locate the Frozen Area: Identify the section of the pipe that's frozen. This may be indicated by a bulge, frost accumulation, or simply where the water flow stops.

2. Apply Heat Gradually: Avoid using high heat directly on frozen pipes, as this can cause them to crack or burst. Instead, try the following methods:

Wrap towels soaked in warm water around the affected section of the pipe.
Use a portable space heater set to a low setting to warm the surrounding area gradually.
Use a heat lamp or infrared lamp to apply gentle heat to the frozen pipe.
If the frozen section is accessible, gently pour warm (not boiling) water over it to thaw the ice.

3. Open Faucets: As you apply heat to the frozen pipe, open nearby faucets to allow any melting ice to escape. This can help relieve pressure within the pipe and prevent bursting.

4. Inspect for Damage: After successfully thawing the pipe, inspect it carefully for any signs of damage, such as cracks or leaks. If damage is detected, it's advisable to seek professional assistance to address the issue promptly.

By incorporating these additional thawing steps into your winter preparedness plan, you can minimize the risk of frozen pipes wreaking havoc on your home. Remember, a little proactive maintenance now can save you from a world of trouble later on.

Stay warm, stay safe, and may your pipes remain unfrozen throughout the winter months!