How to Stop Your Pipes from Freezing: Expert Tips from We Do Repipes
Winter can be tough on your plumbing, especially in areas like Houston, where freezing temperatures are rare but impactful. Frozen pipes aren’t just an inconvenience—they can burst and cause costly damage to your home. At We Do Repipes, we want to help you protect your home this winter with practical, easy-to-follow steps to prevent your pipes from freezing.
Why Do Pipes Freeze?
When temperatures drop below freezing, water inside pipes can solidify, expand, and create immense pressure. This pressure can lead to cracks or bursts, especially in pipes exposed to cold air, such as those in garages, attics, crawl spaces, or outdoor areas.
How to Prevent Pipes from Freezing
1. Insulate Your Pipes
Protect exposed pipes by wrapping them with foam pipe insulation, heat tape, or even newspaper. Focus on pipes in unheated areas, such as garages, crawl spaces, and basements.
2. Let Faucets Drip
During freezing weather, keep a small trickle of water running from faucets served by exposed pipes. Moving water is less likely to freeze, and this small step can prevent costly damage.
3. Seal Drafts Around Pipes
Cold air drafts are a major cause of frozen pipes. Inspect areas where pipes enter your home and seal gaps or cracks with caulk or insulation foam.
4. Open Cabinet Doors
Allow warm air to circulate around pipes by opening cabinet doors under sinks, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
5. Keep Your Home Warm
Maintain a consistent temperature throughout your home, even at night. If you’re leaving your house, don’t turn off the heat—set your thermostat to at least 55°F.
6. Drain Outdoor Plumbing
Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses. Shut off water to outdoor faucets, and leave them open to let any remaining water escape.
7. Locate and Know Your Main Water Shutoff
Before an emergency strikes, find your home’s main water shutoff valve and learn how to use it. Quick action can prevent serious damage if a pipe bursts.
What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze
If you suspect a frozen pipe, follow these steps to safely thaw it:
Open the Faucet: Let water flow through the pipe as it thaws.
Apply Gentle Heat: Use a hair dryer, heating pad, or portable heater to warm the pipe. Start near the faucet and work your way down the pipe.
Avoid Open Flames: Never use a blowtorch, propane heater, or similar tools. They can damage the pipe or start a fire.
Call a Professional: If you can’t locate or thaw the frozen pipe, contact a licensed plumber to prevent further issues.
Bonus Tips for Winter Readiness
Weatherproof Your Home: Seal windows and doors to keep your home insulated.
Inspect Your Furnace: Ensure your heating system is running efficiently before cold weather hits.
Prepare Emergency Supplies: Stock up on flashlights, batteries, bottled water, and non-perishable food in case of severe weather.
Protect Your Plumbing with We Do Repipes
At We Do Repipes, we specialize in replacing older plumbing systems. If you have old plumbing, freezing temperatures will typically highlight its failures. We want to help you keep your home safe and secure, no matter the season. With a whole house repipe, we install the highest quality freeze-resistant PEX plumbing. All exterior walls are insulated properly to ensure the integrity of your plumbing system even on the brink of a freeze. Don’t let freezing temperatures catch you off guard—take action today!
📞 Call us at 832-819-8337 to schedule a consultation or learn more.
Stay Safe This Winter
By following these tips and preparing ahead of time, you can keep your home’s plumbing system running smoothly, even during freezing weather.
If you are dealing with outdated or aging plumbing, trust the experts at We Do Repipes to help you protect your home this winter season!
