How to Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter
As winter approaches, protecting household plumbing from sudden cold snaps becomes essential. The last thing any property owner wants is a burst pipe that soaks walls, floors, and belongings. Fortunately, prevention is straightforward with a few focused steps. This overview covers practical strategies to prevent frozen pipes, including pipe insulation for exposed lines, maintaining steady heat and airflow indoors, and winterizing every outdoor faucet before temperatures tumble. The goal is simple: reduce the risk of freezing pipes and avoid emergency repairs. Below are clear actions that help keep water moving and homes dry all season long.
Insulate the Pipes
Pipe insulation acts as a thermal buffer, helping water lines resist temperature swings that can lead to frozen pipes and costly damage. This upgrade is especially helpful in unconditioned spaces—attics, crawl spaces, garages, and unfinished basements—where cold air settles around plumbing. Concentrating efforts on pipes near exterior walls and in drafty areas reduces the chance of a pipe burst when temperatures drop.
To insulate pipes, slide foam sleeves over accessible lines or wrap them with approved insulation materials, securing seams and bends carefully. Pre-slit foam tubes make quick work of long, straight runs, while elbow and T-joints benefit from custom-cut pieces or insulated tape for a snug fit. Even partial coverage along the coldest stretches can improve protection and maintain more stable water temperatures. For added peace of mind, consider insulating valves and fittings that often get overlooked. Compared to the disruption of a pipe burst, this simple winterization step takes minimal time and cost while offering reliable defense against freezing pipes.
Keep the Heat on and Open Cabinets
Consistent indoor heat is a frontline defense against freezing pipes. Rather than allowing the thermostat to swing widely, aim for steady, moderate settings that keep air moving through rooms and hallways. Spaces behind closed doors or inside cabinetry can become cold pockets, so opening kitchen and bathroom cabinets helps warmer air reach supply lines tucked along exterior walls. This small change can make a noticeable difference in reducing the risk of a burst pipe during an extended cold snap.
Improving airflow works hand in hand with insulation. Keep interior doors ajar to encourage circulation across the home, and address obvious drafts around windows, doors, or sill plates that can funnel cold air toward plumbing. In extreme conditions, allowing a slow trickle from a fixture may keep water moving and lower the chance of ice forming in vulnerable sections. Together, these steps help prevent frozen pipes and limit strain on the plumbing system, making emergency calls less likely when temperatures plummet.
Winterize Outdoor Faucets
Outdoor fixtures face the cold directly, so preparing them early helps prevent a pipe burst that can start at the wall and spread indoors. Begin by disconnecting garden hoses from every outdoor faucet and storing them where residual water can fully drain. Emptying hoses prevents trapped water from freezing and pushing pressure back into supply lines.
Follow this process to protect each outdoor faucet:
- Shut off the interior supply valve that feeds the exterior line, if available.
- Open the outdoor faucet to release any remaining water and relieve pressure.
- Drain any accessible vacuum breakers or backflow devices per manufacturer guidance.
- Add an insulated cover to each outdoor faucet to block wind and cold air.
- Where feasible, apply pipe insulation to exposed sections of exterior plumbing for extra protection.
These simple steps limit trapped water, reduce pressure spikes from expanding ice, and help avoid frozen pipes that can escalate into a burst pipe. Used together with indoor measures, outdoor winterization builds a strong defense against freezing pipes throughout the entire property.
About Eric Kjelshus Energy Heating and Cooling
About Eric Kjelshus Energy Heating and Cooling is a trusted plumbing, HVAC, and electrical company proudly serving Kansas City and surrounding areas since 1972 with NATE-certified technicians and same-day service. Call them today to schedule burst pipe repair in Greenwood, MO.
