Don’t Let Frozen Pipes Put Your Home on Ice

Your Complete Guide to Preventing and Thawing Frozen Plumbing

That first winter freeze can sneak up on even the most prepared homeowner. When temperatures drop below freezing, your pipes become vulnerable to one of winter’s most destructive forces – ice. Keeping your plumbing protected and knowing how to handle frozen pipes isn’t just about preventing inconvenience – it’s about protecting your home from potentially devastating water damage.

Not sure if your pipes are at risk? Check out these essential tips for preventing frozen pipes and what to do if Jack Frost has already taken hold of your plumbing.

Frozen Pipes Are More Than Just an Inconvenience

When water freezes, it expands – and your pipes aren’t designed for that kind of pressure. This can lead to cracks or full-blown bursts, potentially causing thousands of dollars in water damage. Taking steps to protect your pipes might not be at the top of your winter preparation list, but being proactive about pipe protection is a simple way to save money, prevent water damage, and keep your home running smoothly all winter long. When you take the time to winterize your plumbing, you’ll enjoy benefits like:

5 Essential Steps to Prevent Frozen Pipes

As a rule of thumb, you should start preparing your pipes before the first freeze of the season. These key prevention steps will help protect your plumbing when temperatures plummet.

1. Insulate Vulnerable Pipes

Any pipes in unheated spaces like basements, crawl spaces, or attics need proper insulation. Foam pipe sleeves are inexpensive and easy to install, creating a barrier between your pipes and frigid temperatures.

2. Seal Air Leaks

Cold air sneaking in through gaps around pipes can quickly lead to freezing. Check for drafts around pipe entrances and seal them with caulk or spray foam insulation to keep the cold air out.

3. Maintain Consistent Heat

Your home’s temperature should never drop below 55°F, even when you’re away. Keep interior doors open and cabinet doors under sinks ajar to allow warm air to circulate around your plumbing.

4. Let Faucets Drip

When temperatures are extremely low, letting faucets drip slowly can prevent freezing. Moving water is much harder to freeze than standing water, and the constant flow relieves pressure in the system.

5. Know Your Shut-off Valve

Locate your main water shut-off valve before you need it. If a pipe does freeze and burst, knowing how to quickly stop the water flow can prevent extensive damage.

Warning Signs of Frozen Pipes

Pay attention to these red flags that indicate your pipes might be freezing:

• Little or no water flow from faucets
• Strange gurgling sounds in the plumbing
• Frost visible on exposed pipes
• Unusual odors coming from drains
• Bulging or cracked pipes

What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze

If you discover frozen pipes, stay calm and follow these steps:

1. Keep faucets open to allow water to flow as ice melts
2. Apply heat safely using electric heating pads, hot towels, or space heaters
3. Never use open flames or high-temperature heat guns
4. Call a professional if you can’t locate the frozen section or if thawing attempts aren’t working

Let Bell Cow Keep Your Pipes Flowing

There’s nothing worse than dealing with frozen or burst pipes in the middle of winter, and there’s no reason you should have to.

When you trust Bell Cow with your winter plumbing preparation, you can count on quality solutions and friendly service every time. We take pride in providing honest, reliable, and effective service so you can keep your home safe and comfortable throughout the cold season. Schedule your winter plumbing inspection soon so you can face freezing temperatures with confidence.

Ready to protect your pipes? Call Bell Cow Service Company at (844) 234-2355 or visit bellcowservices.com to schedule your inspection. Our experienced technicians serve the Triangle and Sandhills regions of North Carolina, as well as Hampton Roads and Richmond in Virginia.