How to Prevent Frozen Pipes During the Freeze in Columbia, SC
Winter weather is settling in, and with freezing temperatures on the horizon, now is the time to protect your home or business from frozen pipes. When water freezes, it expands, which can lead to burst pipes, costly repairs, and water damage. At Crew Plumbing & Drain, we want to help you stay safe and avoid unnecessary plumbing issues. Follow these essential tips to prevent frozen pipes this winter.
1. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
One of the most common causes of frozen pipes is water trapped in outdoor hoses. Disconnect all hoses from your outdoor spigots to prevent water from freezing and pushing back into the pipe. A frozen spigot can lead to a burst pipe, causing major damage.
2. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Pipes in unheated areas like crawl spaces, basements, attics, garages, or exterior walls are at higher risk. Wrap these pipes with foam pipe insulation, heat tape, or even old towels to add a layer of protection. Proper insulation helps keep the water inside pipes from freezing.
3. Keep a Steady Drip
Allowing a small trickle of water to flow from faucets during freezing temperatures can prevent ice from forming in your pipes. Focus on faucets connected to exterior walls or pipes in unheated spaces. Running water, even a drip, helps relieve pressure and reduces the risk of bursting pipes.
4. Open Cabinet Doors
If your kitchen or bathroom sink is located on an exterior wall, open the cabinet doors underneath to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes. This small step can make a big difference in preventing frozen pipes.
5. Seal Drafts and Leaks
Cold air can sneak into your home through cracks or gaps near windows, doors, and pipe entry points. Seal these areas with caulk or weather stripping to keep cold air out and warm air in. Pay extra attention to areas where pipes enter your home.
6. Keep Your Thermostat Consistent
Maintain a consistent temperature in your home, even at night. Keeping your thermostat at 55 °F or higher can prevent pipes from freezing. For commercial properties, ensure heating systems are functioning properly to protect exposed pipes.
7. Drain Outdoor Faucets and Sprinkler Systems
After disconnecting your hoses, make sure to drain any water remaining in outdoor spigots and sprinkler systems. If you have a shutoff valve for outdoor faucets, close it and open the spigot to let remaining water drain out.
8. Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Is
In case a pipe does freeze and burst, knowing how to quickly turn off your water can minimize damage. Locate your main shutoff valve and ensure it's accessible in an emergency.
What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze
If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle of water comes out, your pipes may be frozen. Here's what to do:
- Turn off the water supply: Prevent further damage in case the pipe bursts.
- Thaw pipes carefully: Use a hairdryer, heating pad, or warm towels. Never use an open flame, as it's a fire hazard.
- Call a professional: If you can't locate the frozen section or suspect a burst pipe, contact Crew Plumbing & Drain for immediate assistance.
- Stay Safe This Winter with Crew Plumbing & Drain
Protecting your pipes from freezing temperatures can save you time, money, and stress. If you need help preparing your plumbing system for winter or dealing with a frozen pipe emergency, Crew Plumbing & Drain is here to help. Call us today at 803-995-9282 to schedule an inspection or get assistance during the freeze.
Stay warm and safe, Columbia!