How to Keep Your Pipes from Freezing: A Homeowner’s Guide

Frozen water pipes can be a nightmare for homeowners, causing costly damage, inconvenience and horror stories. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to prevent your pipes from freezing, including insulating your pipes, keeping your home warm, and letting your faucets drip during cold weather. Read on for more tips on how to protect your Schumacher Homes custom home from frozen pipes if you live in colder areas.

Insulate Your Pipes

One of the most effective ways to prevent your pipes from freezing is to insulate them. This can be done using foam insulation sleeves, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. Make sure to cover all exposed pipes, including those in unheated areas like the attic, basement, and the garage. Additionally, consider insulating your hot water heater and any pipes that run through exterior walls. This will not only prevent freezing, but also help conserve energy and save you money on your utility bills.

Keep Your Home Warm

Keeping your home warm is crucial in preventing your pipes from freezing. Make sure your thermostat is set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius), even when you’re away from home. You can also open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes. If you have a fireplace, use it to help heat your home. And if you’re going to be away from home for an extended period of time, consider draining your pipes or shutting off the main water supply and opening all faucets to allow any remaining water to drain out.

Let Faucets Drip

Allowing your faucets to drip can help prevent your pipes from freezing. When water is running through the pipes, it’s less likely to freeze. Even a small drip can make a big difference. Just make sure to only let the faucet drip slightly, as a full stream of water can waste a lot of water and increase your water bill. This is especially important for pipes that are located in areas that are more prone to freezing, such as exterior walls or unheated areas of your home.

Open Cabinet Doors

Another way to prevent your pipes from freezing is to open cabinet doors in areas where pipes are located. This allows warm air from your Schumacher Homes custom home to circulate around the pipes and can help prevent them from freezing. Make sure to open cabinet doors in your kitchen and bathroom where pipes are often located. If you have pets or small children, make sure to remove any hazardous cleaning products or chemicals from the cabinets before opening them.

Shut Off Outdoor Water Sources

One important step in preventing frozen pipes is to shut off any outdoor water sources, such as hoses and sprinkler systems. Disconnect and drain any hoses, and store them in a dry place. If you have a sprinkler system, make sure to turn off the water supply and drain the system before the first freeze of the season. This will help prevent any water left in the system from freezing and prevent you from being victims of water damage.

By taking these steps, you can help prevent your pipes from freezing and avoid costly damage to your home and prevent being victims of water damage. Schumacher Homes has heard many horror stories of water pipes breaking and causing significant damage.