How To Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter
As winter temperatures drop in Alamance and Orange Counties, homeowners face an increased risk of frozen pipes, which can cause major disruptions and costly damage. When temperatures dip below freezing, water inside your pipes can freeze and expand, leading to cracked or burst pipes, loss of water supply, and significant plumbing repairs. The damage can be both extensive and expensive, especially if it’s not addressed promptly.
At Poseidon Plumbing, we understand how important it is to safeguard your home’s plumbing system during the colder months. In this blog, we’ll share practical tips and proven strategies to prevent frozen pipes, so you can protect your home and avoid the inconvenience and high costs of plumbing emergencies this winter.
Understanding the Risks of Frozen Pipes
When water freezes inside pipes or fixtures, it expands and places immense pressure on plumbing from the inside out. Continuing expansion only increases the pressure and can crack or burst pipes. The most common danger zones for frozen pipes are vulnerable areas like:
- Basements
- Attics
- Garages
- Crawl spaces
- Exterior walls
Burst pipes mean uncontrolled leaks, which may cause structural damage, ruin furniture and personal belongings, and promote mold growth in concealed areas.
Tips To Protect Your Pipes from Freezing
Here are some key maintenance tips to protect your plumbing system from extreme cold.
Insulate Pipes in Vulnerable Areas
High-quality insulation is the top preventative measure that protects against frozen pipes. Insulation is especially important where pipes run through unheated spaces, like your basement.
Modern pipe insulation materials – like foam pipe wraps, fiberglass, and heat tape – maintain enough inner warmth to prevent the pipe contents from freezing in the coldest North Carolina weather. Ensure good coverage and seal gaps with caulk or spray foam to block cold air.
Maintain Consistent Indoor Temperatures
Set your thermostat to a steady temperature day and night. Avoid turning the heat down too low, even when you’re away. At all times, keep your home’s interior heated to at least 55°F.
While away, you could open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes. If you’re leaving town during very cold weather, consider asking someone to check your home. A smart thermostat can also maintain temperature control from any location.
Keep the Water Flowing During Extreme Cold
When cold snaps hit, it helps to run a small trickle through faucets connected to vulnerable areas. This simple measure is effective because flowing water takes longer to freeze. Even a small drip overnight can provide circulation in your system.
Just slightly open the faucets that are furthest away from your main water supply line.
Protect Outdoor Plumbing
By far, your outdoor pipes, hoses, and faucets are at the highest risk of frozen pipes. Winterize your outdoor equipment before a deep freeze strikes as follows:
- Disconnect and store garden hoses.
- Drain and shut off outdoor water supply lines.
- Cover outdoor spigots with insulated covers.
When upgrading or modifying outdoor plumbing, consider frost-free spigots and relocating exposed pipes indoors.
Install Freeze Prevention Devices
For pipes exposed to extreme cold that you cannot drain, consider adding extra protection beyond ordinary insulation. Heat cables or heat tape can help maintain safe pipe temperatures even in sub-zero weather.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid fire hazards.
Schedule a Plumbing Inspection
Regular professional maintenance can prevent pipe damage and ensure your plumbing system is winter-ready. Count on a professional plumber to inspect your pipes for leaks, weak spots, or insufficient insulation.
If you’re in North Carolina, Poseidon Plumbing’s routine inspections identify and address potential cold-weather risks before they become a problem.
What To Do if Pipes Freeze
Despite your best efforts, pipes may still freeze when temperatures plummet. If they do, act quickly to minimize damage and restore your water supply. Do the following:
- Turn off the main water supply to prevent additional leaks if a pipe bursts.
- Open faucets to relieve pressure and promote thawing.
- Use thawing methods (hairdryer, heating pad, or warm towels) to gently warm the frozen section of the pipe.
Contact local experts like Poseidon Plumbing immediately when pipes freeze. Remember to always avoid open flames, as they can cause fires or further pipe damage.
Count on Poseidon Plumbing to Protect Against Frozen Pipes This Winter
Poseidon Plumbing’s freeze-prevention experts can help you prepare for whatever winter brings to your pipes. As a veteran-owned and locally rooted business, we proudly serve homeowners in Alamance and Orange Counties with discipline, reliability, and attention to detail.
Call (336) 202-1287 to schedule your plumbing inspection or get assistance with frozen pipes! We’re also available for 24/7 emergency services.
As a token of our appreciation for public servants, Poseidon Plumbing is offering 10% off plumbing services for military personnel, first responders, and teachers through December 31, 2024!
