Tips for Freeze Warnings: Prevent Your Pipes From Bursting in Winter

Dealing with frozen pipes is one of the most common problems people face during the winter. Your home may be built to withstand it all, but your pipes are not immune from low to negative temperatures. 

So, these tips for freeze warnings are all about the pipes. Here’s how to protect those water pipes in the winter—indoors and outdoors. 

By the way, if you have outdoor pets, you may want to learn how to protect your pets during a winter storm, too.

When you receive a freeze warning, you’ll want to turn a faucet on inside and let the water trickle. This allows for steady, slow water movement through the pipes to prevent ice from forming inside the pipes. Remember, turn the faucet on only slightly, or you may have a higher water bill than usual. 

A heated home means heated pipes. Don’t close off unused areas of your home from receiving heat, and don’t turn off the heat completely if you travel during the winter season. It’s also a good idea to keep the garage door closed. While traveling, set the heat at 65 to 69 degrees as a good rule of thumb. 

Do you have any water hoses connected to an outdoor faucet? If so, disconnect them. Drain any excess water that may have accumulated in the hose or faucet to prevent the pipes from freezing to the hose. In addition, you can wrap the part of the faucet that is exposed with an insulation of sorts to keep it warm. 

Pipes bursting in the winter is a common occurrence. By following these tried and true practices, you’ll be better safe than sorry when temperatures drop.