How to Prep Your Pipes Before a Winstonville Winter

Frozen pipes are one of the most common, and most preventable, plumbing emergencies we see once temperatures drop. Water expands as it freezes, and that pressure can split a pipe open, sometimes without you noticing until it thaws.

Before the cold arrives

Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses, and shut off any exterior faucets from the inside if your home has that option. Insulate exposed pipes in unheated spaces such as a garage, crawl space, or attic. Know where your main water shutoff valve is, so you can act fast if something does go wrong.

During a cold snap

Let faucets fed by exposed pipes drip slightly, since moving water is less likely to freeze. Keep cabinet doors open under sinks that sit on an exterior wall, so warm household air can reach the pipes.

If a pipe does freeze, do not use an open flame to thaw it. A hair dryer on a low setting, or a call to us, is a much safer way to get water moving again.