As you ready your house for the colder months ahead, don’t forget about your water system. When water freezes, it expands. So if the temperature of your pipes drops below 32 degrees, even for a short period, you run the risk of a pipe fracture or worse. Take the following precautions now to avoid a major headache later.
Winterizing Pipes Inside Your Home
Anywhere cold air blows on a pipe, it creates the potential for freezing. To make sure your pipes are well-insulated, close crawl space vents and stuff insulation over the openings. Even a tiny hole can let a lot of cold air blow in; make sure you fill in all the cracks.
A bathroom or laundry room located above or next to a garage can be particularly vulnerable, so keep the garage door closed to maintain maximum heat. If your bathroom pipes run along an outside exterior wall, try keeping the vanity door(s) open to allow heat inside. If you’re anticipating a deep freeze, consider using a fan to help circulate the air near the pipes, or purchase a small space heater for some extra temporary heat.
Pro Tip: For pipes in unheated areas like basements or attics, consider wrapping them with foam pipe insulation or heat tape. This adds an extra layer of protection and is relatively inexpensive, costing around $1 to $5 per foot of pipe, depending on the material. I’ve seen folks skip this step, thinking it’s overkill, only to regret it when a pipe bursts in the middle of a cold snap.
Finally, never turn off the heat when you leave home during the winter. Instead, set the temperature to at least 55 degrees F (higher if you’ve had problems in the past or live in an area of extreme cold). If you have multiple heat zones, be sure to adjust all thermostats appropriately.
Winterizing Pipes Outside Your Home
Disconnect and store garden hoses. If your home has a separate shut-off for external faucets, turn it off and drain the water from those faucets. Turn off and drain sprinkler systems. You may want to call in a professional company to blow out any leftover water in the underground lines. A broken sprinkler pipe can do damage to the delicate components that make up the entire system, increasing the cost of repair.
Did You Know? Leaving even a small amount of water in outdoor lines can lead to cracks that aren’t immediately obvious. One friend of mine ignored a dripping outdoor faucet, thinking it was no big deal, only to find a flooded yard come spring. If you’re unsure about draining your sprinkler system, a local irrigation company can handle it for around $75-$150, depending on your system’s size.
Know where your main waterline shut-off is before problems arise. Depending on the age of your house, it can be inside a garage, basement or laundry room, or underground in your yard. After turning the water off, turn on faucets to allow the water to drain and release the pressure in your pipes.
Quick Note: If your shut-off valve is underground, it’s worth investing in a water meter key (about $10-$20 at hardware stores) to make access easier. I keep mine in the garage so I’m not scrambling if a pipe issue pops up.
Signs You Have Frozen Pipes
You turn on the faucet but nothing comes out. Look in the most likely places and use the techniques listed above to gently thaw the area. Whatever you do, do not use a blowtorch to warm up a frozen pipe. Many homes have been set on fire this way.
The water is turned off but you hear rushing water running anyway. This could be a sign that you have a leak somewhere. You should turn off the water lines immediately and investigate.
Thawing Safely: If you suspect a frozen pipe, try using a hairdryer on a low setting or wrapping the pipe with warm towels. Start from the faucet end and work toward the frozen section to avoid pressure buildup. Patience is key here—rushing with too much heat can crack the pipe. I learned this the hard way years ago when I got impatient and ended up with a bigger mess.
Additional Steps for Extra Protection
Beyond the basics, consider installing a smart water leak detector, especially if you’re in a region prone to harsh winters. These devices, which range from $50 to $200, can alert you to leaks or temperature drops via your phone, potentially saving thousands in repair costs. Also, if your home is older, check for lead pipes, as they’re more prone to corrosion and cracking when frozen. Replacing them might be a bigger project, but it’s worth consulting a plumber for an inspection.
As you prepare for winter, don’t overlook these steps to protect your pipes. A little effort now can save you from costly repairs and the hassle of dealing with water damage when the snow starts falling.