5 Simple Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter❄️⛄🎅

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5 Simple Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter

Winter weather can be harsh on your plumbing system, and one of the most common and costly issues homeowners face is frozen pipes. When temperatures drop below freezing, the water inside your pipes can freeze, expand, and cause them to burst—leading to water damage, expensive repairs, and a major headache. Fortunately, there are simple and effective ways to protect your pipes and avoid the hassle of frozen pipes this winter. Rossman Plumbing has five essential tips to keep your plumbing in tip-top shape:

1. Insulate Your Pipes

One of the most effective ways that Rossman Plumbing recommends preventing frozen pipes is by adding insulation. Pipes in unheated areas, such as basements, attics, and garages, are particularly vulnerable to freezing. Use pipe insulation sleeves, foam, or even heat tape to insulate your pipes, especially those located near exterior walls or in colder parts of your home. Proper insulation helps maintain the temperature around your pipes and reduces the risk of freezing.

2. Let Faucets Drip

When temperatures drop significantly, letting your faucets drip can be a simple yet effective way to prevent freezing. Even a small, steady drip keeps water moving through the pipes, making it less likely to freeze. Focus on faucets located on exterior walls or in unheated areas. If the weather is especially cold, you may want to keep both hot and cold faucets dripping slightly to further minimize the risk of freezing.

3. Keep Your Home Warm

Maintaining a consistent temperature inside your home is essential to keeping your pipes warm and safe. Even if you’re going away for the holidays or a weekend trip, Rossman Plumbing reminds you don’t turn your thermostat too low. Ideally, set it no lower than 55°F (13°C) to ensure the temperature inside your home stays above freezing. This is especially important for areas like attics and basements, where cold air can easily seep in.

4. Open Cabinet Doors

For pipes located in kitchen and bathroom cabinets, particularly those along exterior walls, Rossman Plumbing suggest opening the cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes. This is especially important when you’re using heat in your home, as it can help maintain the temperature around your pipes. In colder weather, you might even want to leave the doors open overnight to prevent freezing.

5. Seal Gaps and Cracks

Rossman Plumbing knows Cold air can seep in through gaps and cracks in walls, floors, or around windows, and if these openings are near pipes, they can increase the risk of freezing. Inspect areas around windows, doors, and foundation cracks for potential drafts. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal gaps and cracks to keep the cold air out and the warm air in. Don’t forget to check places where pipes enter the home, such as around vents, dryer vents, or other openings.

Bonus Tips:

• Disconnect outdoor hoses: Be sure to disconnect garden hoses and drain any water from outdoor faucets, as water left in hoses can freeze and cause damage to both the hose and faucet.
• Install a pipe heating cable: In extreme cold climates, consider installing an electric pipe heating cable that can be wrapped around exposed pipes for extra protection.
• Check your home’s insulation: Proper insulation in your home can make a huge difference in maintaining an even temperature and preventing frozen pipes. If you find any spots that need more insulation, consider adding some in those areas.

By following these simple yet effective tips, you can protect your pipes and ensure that your plumbing system stays in good working order all winter long. If you’re unsure about the condition of your pipes or need help with insulation, don’t hesitate to call your local professional plumber (RossmanPlumbing.com) for advice and assistance. Preventing frozen pipes now can save you from costly repairs later!