How to Help Prevent Frozen and Burst Pipes This Winter
A sudden cold snap can turn a peaceful evening into an emergency when a frozen pipe bursts and sends water everywhere. The good news is that a few basic winterization steps can dramatically lower the chance of frozen pipes and the damage that follows. This guide covers three practical ways to protect plumbing during cold weather: insulating pipes, keeping heat moving around vulnerable areas, and learning how to winterize outdoor faucets properly.
Insulate the Pipes
One of the easiest defenses against freezing pipes is to insulate pipes in unconditioned spaces. Lines that run through an attic, crawl space, unfinished basement, or garage are especially vulnerable because temperatures in those areas can drop quickly when outdoor weather turns cold.
Pipe insulation—often foam sleeves or fiberglass wrap—creates a protective layer between the cold air and the water inside the pipe. By insulating pipes in exposed runs, the temperature of the pipe wall stays closer to the indoor temperature, which slows down heat loss from the water. That extra margin of safety can make the difference between a minor chill and an ice blockage that leads to a burst pipe.
Special attention should be paid to long horizontal runs, pipes near exterior walls, and any section that has frozen before. Insulating pipes in these areas is a relatively low-cost step that can prevent the major disruption and expense of a pipe burst and subsequent repairs.
Keep the Heat on and Open Cabinets
Maintaining a steady indoor temperature is another key part of winterization. Setting the thermostat to a consistent level, even overnight or when the house is unoccupied for short periods, helps keep walls and floors from getting cold enough to freeze the plumbing inside them. Allowing interior temperatures to drop too low can increase the risk of frozen pipes in areas close to exterior walls or windows.
Cabinets can create hidden cold spots. Sinks located on outside walls often have plumbing concealed behind vanity doors or kitchen cabinets. When those doors stay closed, warm air from the room cannot easily circulate around the pipes, making freezing more likely. Leaving these cabinet doors open during very cold weather allows heated air to reach the pipes directly, reducing the chance of freezing pipes and the resulting water damage.
Winterize Outdoor Faucets
Outdoor hose connections and hose bibs are common trouble spots in winter. Water left in these lines can freeze and expand, cracking the faucet or the pipe feeding it. Properly winterizing outdoor faucets lowers the risk of hidden damage that only becomes obvious when warm weather returns.
Steps to winterize outdoor faucets typically include:
- Disconnecting any attached garden hoses and draining them completely
- Shutting off the indoor valve that supplies the exterior hose bib, if one is present
- Opening the outdoor faucet to let the remaining water drain from the line
- Installing an insulating cover over the faucet to shield it from cold air and wind
These simple actions help ensure that there is little to no water trapped in the exposed portion of the line, making it far less likely to freeze and split. Combined with indoor pipe insulation and even heating, they form a strong winterization strategy that keeps plumbing in better shape throughout the cold season.
About JD Precision Plumbing Services
\JD Precision Plumbing Services is a leading plumbing contractor providing quality workmanship to the Spring community and surrounding areas. With upfront pricing, personal attention, and reliable service, they offer customers peace of mind on every plumbing project. Call them today for burst pipe repair in Spring, TX.
