How to Prevent Pipes from Freezing: Tips to Protect Your Home This Winter

By the Mercury Team

As temperatures drop, it’s time to ensure your home is ready for the chill. One area that you should pay close attention to is your pipes. Frozen pipes are every homeowner’s winter nightmare since they can burst without warning, causing sudden flooding and costly water damage. Luckily, you can take preventative measures to help mitigate these risks. And if the unexpected does happen, having reliable homeowners insurance like Mercury ensures you’re covered when you need it most. In this blog, we’ll cover the best ways to keep your pipes from freezing so you can enjoy a trouble-free winter.

Why Do Pipes Freeze and What Are the Risks?

When water freezes, it expands. This expansion creates a lot of pressure inside the pipes, which can lead to cracks or even full-on bursts. Think of it like blowing up a balloon: too much pressure, and it pops. The same thing happens inside your plumbing system during freezing weather.

So, what makes some pipes more likely to freeze than others? It usually boils down to poor insulation or extreme cold. Pipes in unheated spaces, like basements, garages, crawl spaces, or attics, are particularly vulnerable. If they’re not properly insulated, they have little defense against icy temperatures.

If a pipe bursts, it can cause serious water damage to your home, ruining floors, walls, and valuables. This means a hefty repair bill. However, a reliable homeowners insurance policy can help cover the cost of repairs and get you back on track quickly.

Proactive Steps to Prevent Pipes from Freezing

If you want to know how to stop pipes from freezing, these proactive steps can help combat those frigid temperatures.

Insulate Pipes in Vulnerable Areas

Poor insulation is one of the most common reasons why pipes freeze, so use proper insulation to help prevent frozen pipes. Check the pipes in your unheated areas — e.g., crawl space, attic, garage, etc. — to see if they’re exposed. If so, wrap your pipes with heat tape or foam pipe insulation. When purchasing pipe insulation, make sure an independent testing organization — e.g., Underwriters Laboratories Inc. — approves the products and that you choose the right type of insulation for your pipes — interior or exterior. Also, be sure to follow all manufacturer’s directions.

Maintain a Consistent Indoor Temperature

Even if you’re away, resist the temptation to lower the thermostat too much. Keep your home’s temperature at least 55°F to ensure your pipes stay warm enough to prevent freezing. Why is this important? Pipes rely on the warmth of your home to help regulate their temperature.

Let Faucets Drip During Extreme Cold

A slow, steady drip keeps water flowing, which helps relieve pressure that could otherwise build up and lead to a burst. This tip is especially helpful for pipes located along exterior walls, where the cold hits hardest.

What to Do If Your Pipes Are Frozen

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the cold weather wins, and your pipes freeze. Here’s what to do about frozen pipes:

Identify Frozen Pipes

First, you need to figure out which pipe is frozen. If you turn on a faucet and nothing comes out or there’s just a weak trickle, there’s a good chance the pipe leading to it is frozen. If you can see any exposed pipes, check for frost or ice buildup — that’s another clear sign. Once you’ve identified the problem, you’re ready to take the next step.

Thaw Pipes Safely

Start by opening the faucet that’s connected to the pipe. This helps release pressure and gives melted water a place to escape. Next, use a hairdryer, heating pad, or portable space heater to gently warm the frozen section of the pipe. Move the heat source back and forth evenly along the pipe to avoid overheating any one spot.

Also, avoid open flames at all costs. Using tools like blowtorches or propane heaters might seem quicker, but they can damage the pipe and be a serious fire hazard.

When to Call a Professional

If the frozen section is hidden inside a wall or ceiling, or if you spot any leaks or water pooling, you’ll need a professional. Shut off your main water supply to prevent further damage, then call a plumber. They’ll have the tools and experience to fix the problem safely and quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Frozen Pipes

Let’s tackle some of the most common concerns surrounding frozen pipes.

Will Shutting Off Water Prevent Pipes From Freezing?

Turning off the water won’t stop your pipes from freezing since the freezing happens because of the cold temperatures, not the water itself. But shutting off the main water supply can still be helpful. If a frozen pipe bursts, there won’t be as much water flowing into your home, which can save you from a bigger mess.

Should I Turn Off the Water If My Pipes Are Frozen?

If your pipes are frozen but haven’t burst, you don’t need to turn off the water yet. Just keep the faucet open to relieve pressure as the ice melts. But if you think a pipe might burst or notice any leaks, it’s a smart move to shut off the main water supply right away.

Additional Ways to Protect Your Home

Winterizing your home is another additional way to protect your house. Start by sealing drafts around doors and windows to keep cold air out and warm air in. Also, adding insulation to your walls, attic, and crawl space keeps your home cozy and provides extra protection for your plumbing.

Another good idea is to routinely inspect your plumbing for any weak spots. Check for cracks, leaks, or areas where pipes might be exposed to freezing temperatures. Catching and addressing these vulnerabilities early can save you from dealing with major issues later.

Conclusion

Frozen pipes can be a recipe for disaster that leads to costly water damage, major repairs, and unnecessary stress. But with the right precautions, you can help minimize the risk of a burst pipe.

However, the unexpected can still happen, which is why having a solid homeowners insurance policy is so important. Mercury offers cheap homeowners insurance without sacrificing quality, so you can protect your home and your budget.

Contact us today for a fast, free quote!