7 Steps to Avoid Frozen Pipes, Prevent Expensive Repair Bills This Winter

Posted Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Frozen and burst water pipes can ruin your whole day. The best strategy in combating the cold winter months is a defensive one. By taking preventive measures to winterize your home, you can not only save money but also save water and reduce energy usage.

1. Know what areas of your home—like basements, crawl spaces, unheated rooms, and outside walls—are most vulnerable to freezing.
   
   
2. Search for pipes that are uninsulated or pass through unheated areas. Wrap them with pipe insulation available at hardware stores.
   
   
3. If you have heat tape installed on exposed pipes, make sure the tape is still operational and installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Inspect the tape for cracks or fraying.
   
   
4. Everyone in your household should know where the main water shut-off valve is. Check the shut-off valve annually to make sure it’s working properly. If a pipe freezes or bursts, shut off the water immediately.
   
   
5. Covering or wrapping your outdoor faucets is a simple job that can save you a significant expense, both in water and plumbing fees.
   
   
6. Turn off and drain irrigation systems.
   
   
7. If no one is home for an extended period during extreme winter weather, consider turning off your main valve altogether and hiring a plumber to drain your system. That way, if your furnace quits working, there will be no water in your pipes to freeze.