How To Prevent Frozen Pipes in the Winter Months

Michigan winters are notorious for the bitter cold. Temperatures regularly fall below freezing, while heavy snowfall and wind chills make it feel much colder. To prepare for the extreme weather, homeowners must protect themselves against frozen pipes. When water freezes inside your pipes, it expands, and the increase in pressure can lead to a burst. This plumbing emergency can cause serious damage to your home if not handled promptly. 

In this blog, the plumbing experts at Grapids Home Services offer Michigan homeowners six tips on how to best prepare for colder temperatures, avoid frozen pipes, and reduce the risk of a burst.

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6 Tips for Preventing Frozen Pipes in a Michigan Winter

As part of homeowner’s preparation for winter weather, it’s necessary to take specific precautions to prevent frozen pipes and reduce your risk of a burst. 

Insulate Pipes

Pipes in exterior walls and unheated spaces are more prone to freezing. This includes pipes in basements, crawl spaces, attics, and garages. To keep them warm and reduce the risk, we recommend insulating these pipes to keep the temperature up. Homeowners can use heat tape or foam pipe insulation to protect pipes in these vulnerable areas.

Let Faucets Drip

Moving water is less likely to freeze, so we recommend letting your faucets drip on nights when temperatures will drop significantly. All homeowners need is a slow trickle to prevent freezing, especially at faucets connected to pipes in exterior walls.

Keep the Heat On

It may be tempting to turn off your heat when you aren’t home or are sleeping to save on utility bills. However, letting indoor temperatures drop can lead to frozen pipes. We recommend always keeping your heat above 55 degrees Fahrenheit to reduce your risk.

Open Cabinet Doors

The pipes under your sink are often isolated from the warm air in your home. By opening cabinet doors and allowing the heat to circulate, you can help keep the temperatures in your pipes more stable. This is especially important for sinks that are on exterior walls.

Disconnect Outdoor Hoses

Don’t forget your outdoor faucets when it comes to winter weather preparations. Homeowners should drain and store garden hoses and shut off outdoor water valves when the weather turns. We also recommend covering outdoor spigots with insulated covers.

Take Travel Precautions

If you travel during the coldest months of the year, it’s essential to prevent pipe bursts when no one will be home to respond quickly. When you leave for an extended period, we recommend draining your pipes and shutting off your main water to prevent plumbing disasters.

Schedule Frozen Pipes Services With Grapids Home Services Today

Even with these precautions, pipes can still freeze. For fast and professional service, call the team at Grapids Home Services. Our licensed plumbers have provided superior care in Michigan since 1999 with same-day repairs and transparent communication. Our personalized services and upfront pricing are one of the many reasons we’re the area’s top choice for comprehensive plumbing services.

Contact Grapids Home Services for fast and reliable services when your pipes freeze.