How to Protect Your Pipes During Winter

Winter can be a beautiful season, but freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing system. Frozen pipes are not only an inconvenience but can also lead to costly damage if they burst. Whether you’re a homeowner or a property manager, taking preventive steps to protect your pipes during winter is essential. Here’s what you need to know.

Why Do Pipes Freeze?

When the temperature drops below freezing, the water inside your pipes can turn to ice. As water freezes, it expands, putting immense pressure on the walls of your pipes, which may cause them to burst. Pipes located in unheated areas like basements, attics, garages, or exterior walls are particularly vulnerable.

Steps to Prevent Frozen Pipes

1. Insulate Your Pipes
   Use foam insulation or pipe sleeves to wrap exposed pipes, especially those in unheated areas.
2. Seal Cracks and Gaps
   Check for openings around doors, windows, and the foundation where cold air might seep in, and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping.
3. Let Faucets Drip
   Allowing a small trickle of water to flow through your faucets can relieve pressure in the pipes, preventing them from freezing.
4. Keep Your Home Warm
   Set your thermostat to a consistent temperature, even when you’re away, to ensure that all areas of your home stay above freezing.
5. Open Cabinet Doors
   Open the doors of cabinets that house pipes, such as under the sink, to allow warm air to circulate around them.
6. Disconnect Garden Hoses
   Drain and store garden hoses, and shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets to avoid ice buildup.