How To Keep Your Pipes From Freezing

Pipes freezing and bursting can be a catastrophe for any home in any place where temperatures drop below zero. In 2023 alone, frozen pipes caused over $19.9 million in damage for homeowners across Indiana, which State Farm Insurance ranks as #15 among the states most likely to experience frozen pipes.

Fortunately, there are practical steps savvy homeowners can take to protect their property and ways to minimize the risk and damage if it’s already too late to avoid the problem. Today, we’ll cover everything you need to know to keep your property safe through the winter.

If you have frozen pipes right now or need to protect against them, schedule service with Reliable Comfort.

What Happens When Pipes Freeze?

When your pipes freeze, the biggest threat actually comes from water rather than ice, as it becomes squeezed against — and then through — every weak point in your plumbing without anywhere to go. You may not realize your pipes are frozen and burst until after they begin to thaw and water begins pouring out of the damaged pipes and seals.

Conversely, frozen pipes might prove harmless if your pipes hold up or have somewhere for the pressure to be safely relieved. You’ll only be certain when they thaw, which can also be the time with the greatest risk of damage — so don’t hesitate to call a plumber if your pipes are frozen right this moment.

How To Prevent Frozen Pipes

The trick to avoiding frozen pipes is, of course, to make sure they don’t sit below freezing at any point along the length of the pipe as it passes beneath and through your home. Here are a few ways you can prevent frozen pipes and minimize your risk of damage:

• Insulate your pipes: Insulated pipes are far less likely to freeze and burst, making it one of the best investments if you want peace of mind and minimized risk.
• Keep cabinets open: If you have uninsulated pipes, opening your cabinets is a great way to make sure that they are exposed to warmer air. That warmth can travel the length of the pipe, making a substantial difference in the coldest points.
• Set thermostat: Keep your home warm even if you don’t intend to be in it to prevent damage, not only from freezing pipes but also from moisture that condenses and soaks your belongings, etc. Depending on pipe insulation, this might be as low as 45, though just under 60 is safer.
• Keep garage doors closed: By keeping your garage closed, you’ll prevent heat from escaping, which can make a difference if there are pipes running through or along your garage walls. While this will depend on your garage’s insulation and how your plumbing is routed, it can be a big difference.
• Let faucets drip: Letting faucets drip serves two purposes. Flowing water won’t spend as much time in areas of your plumbing that are below freezing and if your pipes do freeze, water can escape from the faucet instead of finding or making another opening.
• Protect outdoor faucets: Hose bibbs and other outdoor faucets can let the cold into your plumbing, so faucet covers and other forms of protection are a good idea if you have such connections outside.

Depend On Reliable Comfort for Winter Pipe Prep

If you’re tired of worrying about your plumbing and wondering if you’re going to wake up to the sound of rushing water or spy an ominous trickle down the wall when temperatures go back up, let the experienced plumbers at Reliable Comfort aid you in your winter preparation.

With a 100% satisfaction guarantee, we’ll deliver complete peace of mind through pipe insulation, faucet covers, and tips specific to your home for keeping your pipes flowing safely through the coldest nights of the Indiana winter.  

Ready to talk to a member of our team about your plumbing? Schedule a visit or discuss your needs by contacting Reliable Comfort today.