12/20/2025
Here are practical, easy cold-weather plumbing tips to help prevent frozen pipes, leaks, and costly repairs:
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1. Protect Pipes From Freezing
Insulate vulnerable pipes
• Wrap pipes in unheated areas (attics, basements, crawl spaces, garages) with foam pipe insulation.
• Use heat tape or heat cable for extra-risk areas (follow manufacturer instructions carefully).
Let faucets drip
• A slow cold-water drip helps relieve pressure and keeps water moving.
• Prioritize exterior walls and upstairs bathrooms.
Open cabinet doors
• Allow warm air to reach pipes under sinks, especially on exterior walls (e.g., kitchen, bathroom vanities).
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2. Prepare Your Home Before a Freeze
Disconnect and drain hoses
• Leaving hoses connected traps water in the faucet and can cause the spigot or piping to burst.
Shut off + drain outdoor faucets
• If you have a dedicated shutoff valve for outdoor spigots, turn it off and drain the line.
Seal gaps and cracks
• Use caulk/foam to seal openings around pipes that let cold air enter (near foundations, siding, etc.).
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3. Maintain Indoor Temperatures
• Keep your thermostat set above 55°F (13°C) even when away from home.
• Keep interior doors open to circulate warm air evenly.
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4. Know How to Respond to Freezing
If a pipe starts freezing
• Apply gentle heat (hair dryer, heating pad, warm towels).
• NEVER use open flames or torches.
If a pipe bursts
• Immediately shut off the main water supply.
• Turn off electricity if water is near outlets.
• Call a plumber as soon as possible.
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5. Water Heater Protection
• Insulate the tank and hot-water pipes.
• Flush sediment before winter to improve efficiency.
• Keep the area around the water heater warm and clear.
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6. When Traveling
• Set heat to at least 55°F/13°C.
• Allow faucets to drip.
• Ask a friend/neighbor to check the house.
• Shut off the main water supply for extended trips
