Winter in New York, is known for its harsh temperatures and frequent snowfalls. While the scenic views of a snow-covered landscape can be beautiful, they also come with challenges for homeowners—one of the biggest being the risk of frozen pipes. When temperatures dip below freezing, the water in your pipes can freeze, causing pressure buildup and potentially leading to burst pipes, flooding, and costly repairs.
Preventing frozen pipes is crucial for protecting your home and avoiding expensive damage. In this blog, we’ll share practical tips on how to prevent frozen pipes during the winter and what to do if your pipes do freeze.
1. Insulate Your Pipes
The most effective way to prevent frozen pipes is to insulate them, especially those located in unheated or exposed areas such as basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, and exterior walls.
Here’s how to properly insulate your pipes:
- Use pipe insulation foam sleeves or fiberglass insulation around pipes in vulnerable areas.
- Wrap pipes in electrical heating tape for extra protection in extremely cold areas.
- Ensure that cracks or holes in exterior walls near pipes are sealed to prevent cold air from seeping in.
Insulating your pipes adds a layer of defense against freezing temperatures, helping to keep water flowing smoothly throughout the winter.
2. Let Faucets Drip During Freezing Temperatures
During extreme cold snaps, allowing your faucets to drip can prevent pipes from freezing. Running even a small trickle of water through the pipes helps relieve pressure that can build up if the water freezes. The flow of water—even if minimal—prevents ice from forming and expands the water’s ability to handle colder temperatures without freezing solid.
Make sure to let both hot and cold water drip from the faucets, especially those connected to exposed pipes or plumbing that runs through unheated areas.
3. Open Cabinet Doors for Warm Air Circulation
Pipes under sinks or in cabinets are often located along exterior walls, making them more susceptible to freezing. By opening cabinet doors, you allow warm air from your home’s heating system to circulate around the pipes, reducing the risk of freezing.
This simple step is especially important for sinks in kitchens or bathrooms that are positioned against exterior walls, which tend to be colder than the rest of your home.
4. Seal Cracks and Gaps
Cold air can seep into your home through cracks or gaps in the walls, foundation, or around windows and doors. These entry points can expose nearby pipes to freezing temperatures, increasing the likelihood of frozen pipes. Sealing these gaps helps keep cold air out and warm air in.
- Use caulk or expanding foam to seal gaps around windows, doors, pipes, and electrical wiring that enter or exit your home.
- Install weather stripping around doors and windows to create a tight seal.
- Consider adding insulation to drafty areas such as attics, crawl spaces, or the garage.
By sealing these gaps, you not only protect your pipes but also improve your home’s energy efficiency, potentially lowering heating costs during the winter months.
5. Keep Your Thermostat Consistent
Maintaining a consistent temperature in your home can prevent your pipes from freezing. Even if you’re away or asleep, keeping the thermostat set to at least 55°F (12.8°C) helps ensure that the temperature inside your home never dips low enough to freeze the water in your pipes.
If you plan to leave your home for an extended period during the winter, consider having someone check on your house regularly to ensure that the heat is working and pipes are protected from freezing temperatures.
6. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
Outdoor hoses and spigots are particularly vulnerable to freezing and should be disconnected and drained before winter sets in. If water is left inside the hoses, it can freeze and cause pressure to build up in the pipes inside your home, potentially leading to burst pipes.
- Disconnect and store all garden hoses before the first frost.
- Shut off the water supply to outdoor spigots and drain any remaining water from the lines.
- Use an outdoor faucet cover to protect the spigot from freezing temperatures.
Taking these precautions helps protect both your outdoor and indoor plumbing from damage.
7. Install Frost-Free Spigots
For an extra layer of protection, consider replacing standard outdoor spigots with frost-free models. Frost-free spigots are designed to prevent freezing by keeping the valve inside the house where it stays warmer, rather than at the exterior where temperatures can drop below freezing.
These spigots offer long-term protection for your outdoor plumbing and are especially useful in cold climates like ours, where freezing temperatures are common throughout the winter.
8. What to Do if Your Pipes Freeze
Despite your best efforts, it’s still possible for pipes to freeze during an exceptionally cold winter. If you suspect that a pipe has frozen, take action immediately to prevent it from bursting.
Signs of a frozen pipe include:
- No water coming out of the faucet when turned on
- Unusual noises, such as clanging or gurgling, when the faucet is on
- Visible frost on the pipe
If you discover a frozen pipe, follow these steps:
- Shut off the water supply to prevent the pipe from bursting.
- Open the faucet connected to the frozen pipe to allow water to flow once it begins to thaw.
- Apply heat to the frozen section of the pipe using a hairdryer, space heater, or heat lamp. Never use an open flame or torch to thaw frozen pipes, as this can cause fires.
- Call a professional plumber if you’re unable to locate or thaw the frozen pipe. A plumber can safely address the issue and ensure no further damage occurs.
Stay Safe This Winter with North Country PHC
Protecting your pipes from freezing during the cold winter is essential for maintaining your home’s plumbing system and avoiding costly repairs. By following these preventive measures, you can reduce the risk of frozen pipes and ensure that your home stays warm and safe all season long.
At North Country PHC, we specialize in plumbing maintenance, repairs, and emergency services to help you prepare for winter’s challenges. If you’re dealing with frozen pipes or want to safeguard your home before the freezing temperatures hit, give us a call. Our experienced team is here to provide reliable service and keep your home’s plumbing system in top condition.