Winter is just around the corner!

As the leaves are falling and the temperatures are getting colder, we need to always remember to wrap our pipes to prevent them from freezing and breaking. This can lead to a terrible disaster in your home or business!

To prevent your pipes from freezing during the winter, you'll want to take a few key steps to keep your plumbing system warm and protected. Here’s a list of strategies:

1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
2.  Foam Insulation: Wrap pipes in foam insulation sleeves, especially in unheated areas like basements, attics, garages, and crawl spaces.
   
3.   Heat Tape or Cables: For particularly vulnerable pipes, consider using electric heat tape or cables that can be wrapped around pipes and plugged in to provide consistent warmth.
   
4. Seal Gaps and Cracks
5.  Seal Drafts: Make sure to seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and where pipes enter the house. Cold air can sneak in through these spaces and freeze pipes.
6. Use Caulk or Foam Sealant: For larger gaps, use caulking or expanding foam to seal up the holes around pipe entries.
   
7. Keep the Heat On
8.  Consistent Temperature: Maintain a minimum temperature of 55°F (13°C) in your home, especially if you plan to be away during the winter.
   
9.  Open Cabinet Doors: Open the doors to cabinets under sinks (especially in kitchens and bathrooms) to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
10. Let Faucets Drip
11. Drip Faucets: When temperatures drop significantly, let faucets drip slightly. Running water is less likely to freeze than standing water. Even a small drip can help prevent freezing in vulnerable pipes.
    
12. Add Extra Insulation
13. Insulate Pipes in Cold Areas: If you live in an area with particularly harsh winters, consider adding extra insulation around your water supply lines, especially in exterior walls or any area that might be exposed to cold.
14. Keep Garage Doors Closed
15.  If you have water pipes in the garage, keep garage doors closed as much as possible, especially at night when temperatures drop.
    
16. Install a Programmable Thermostat
17. A programmable thermostat can help maintain consistent temperatures throughout the day, ensuring that areas of your home where pipes are located stay warm enough to prevent freezing.
18. Shut Off Outdoor Water Supply
19. Drain Outdoor Faucets: Shut off and drain any outdoor hose bibs before the first frost. In colder climates, it's also a good idea to install insulated covers for outdoor faucets.
20. Consider Pipe Relocation or Protection
21. f you're building or remodeling, consider relocating pipes away from exterior walls or adding extra insulation around those areas. 
22. 10. Monitor Temperatures
23. Keep an eye on local weather reports and temperature forecasts. If extreme cold is expected, take extra precautions, such as turning up the heat or using space heaters in certain areas of your home.

By taking these steps, you can greatly reduce the risk of your pipes freezing and avoid the costly and inconvenient damage that can result from a burst pipe.

For more information, please feel free to reach out to us at 406-282-4440.