Freezing Pipes in Winter – How to winterize your home from cold weather

Basic steps to follow to prevent your household pipes from freezing in winter, avoiding disaster with stress-relieving solutions.

Why Pipe Freezing Causes Problems

Winter brings freezing temperatures that too often lead to disaster for homeowners. While many are planning for the holidays, enjoying winter sports, or celebrating a new year, basic household maintenance can be neglected. A burst pipe is a stressful situation that can cost thousands of dollars in repair, replacement, and water damage leaving your home in disarray. Luckily, there are some quick solutions to protect, prevent, and manage freezing temperatures and the effects they have on your plumbing.

How and Where Pipes Freeze

When temperatures drop below 32℉, and even before sometimes due to wind chill, still water begins to freeze. Frozen water expands when it freezes taking up much more space than the water it replaced. The increased volume creates pressure between the ice blockage and the faucet which is generally where pipes fail. 

Warning signs of a frozen pipe:

  • Little to no water pressure
  • Incorrect water temperatures
  • Strange odors from faucet or drain

What areas are most at risk:

  • Exterior walls – Pipes that line the exterior of your home that may not have sufficient insulation
  • Outdoor lines – Hose bibs, swimming pools, sprinklers, etc.
  • Attics and basements – Any unheated locations in your home that lack proper insulation

Tips to prevent pipes from freezing

  • Ensure outdoor water sources are properly shut off

Piping on the exterior of your home is generally the least insulated and earliest at risk of freezing in cold weather. Shutting off these sources of water and draining them is an important first step in protecting your home as the season changes

  • Insulate pipes susceptible to low temperatures

Insulating pipes allows them to better store heat while reducing exposure to surrounding temperatures. This can be done professionally or even in a pinch with household materials or heating tape

  • Let faucets drip when temps reach below 20℉

Leaving faucets dripping greatly reduces the pressure able to build if a pipe were to freeze. Additionally, running water freezes at a lower temperature due to heat caused by friction

  • Seal and keep exterior doors closed

Garages, basements, crawl spaces, and any other poorly insulated areas should be kept closed as much as possible. Insulating windows in these areas can also be helpful

  • Open cabinets concealing pipes

Cabinets, like the ones below most sinks, block heat from getting to the pipes they contain

If you are experiencing issues with your plumbing or suspect a frozen or burst pipe, call the experts at Superior HVAC & Plumbing to help! Call us at 301-931-3310 or visit our contact page. The Superior team is available 24/7 for emergency service in the Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia areas.