Restoring Comfort and Convenience

Frozen pipes are entirely avoidable with proper winterizing and weatherproofing measures. Here’s what professional plumbers recommend to keep your plumbing system safe during the colder months:

1. Maintain Indoor Heat: Keep your home warm, especially in colder areas like crawl spaces, attics, or basements.
2. Open Cabinet Doors: Let warm air circulate around pipes under sinks by opening cabinet doors.
3. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses: Remove garden hoses to prevent water from freezing and backing up into your plumbing.
4. Close Garage Doors: If your garage has plumbing, keep the doors shut to trap heat and protect pipes.
5. Insulate Pipes: Wrap exposed pipes with heating cables or insulation to keep them warm.
6. Run Faucets on a Drip: Periodically leave faucets on a slow, warm drip overnight to keep water flowing and prevent freezing.

By taking these precautions, you can protect your home from the costly and inconvenient damage caused by frozen or burst pipes.

Exposed pipes are plumbing lines found in unheated or poorly insulated areas, such as basements, attics, crawl spaces, or exterior walls. Without adequate insulation, these pipes are vulnerable to freezing during cold weather. When temperatures drop, the water inside can freeze and expand, creating pressure that may cause the pipes to crack or burst, leading to costly repairs and potential water damage.

Yes, a broken furnace can significantly increase the risk of frozen pipes. Without proper heating, the indoor temperature can drop rapidly during cold weather, exposing your pipes to freezing conditions. Prolonged exposure can cause the water inside the pipes to freeze and expand, leading to cracks, bursts, and costly water damage.

Winterizing faucets is a simple yet essential step to prevent freezing and potential pipe damage during colder months. Here's how it's done:

1. Turn Off the Water Supply: Shut off the outdoor water valve connected to your exterior faucets.
2. Drain Remaining Water: Open the faucet to let any remaining water flow out completely.
3. Remove Hoses: Disconnect garden hoses and store them indoors to prevent freezing and cracking.
4. Install Faucet Covers: Attach insulated faucet covers to shield them from harsh winter temperatures.

Properly winterizing faucets ensures your plumbing system stays protected and functional throughout the winter season.

If you're planning to be away during the winter, taking steps to protect your plumbing is essential to avoid frozen or burst pipes. Here's how to safeguard your home:

1. Maintain a Safe Temperature: Keep your thermostat set to at least 12-15°C (55-60°F) to ensure pipes remain warm.
2. Turn Off the Water Supply: Shut off the main water valve and drain your pipes by opening faucets to prevent standing water from freezing.
3. Insulate Vulnerable Pipes: Wrap exposed pipes in insulation or heating tape, especially those in unheated spaces like basements or attics.
4. Open Cabinet Doors: Leave cabinet doors under sinks open to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
5. Enlist Help: Ask a neighbor or trusted friend to check on your home periodically to catch any issues early.

By taking these precautions, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your pipes are protected while you're away.