Tips to prevent Freezing Pipes during a Cold Winter.

Insulate pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, crawl spaces, and garages using foam pipe insulation or heat tape. This will keep them warm enough to prevent freezing. 

Check for cracks or gaps around windows, doors, or where pipes enter the home, and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping. Cold air can seep into these spaces, increasing the risk of frozen pipes. 

 If you’re leaving the house for a while, keep the thermostat set to at least 55°F (13°C) to ensure the pipes stay warm, even in unoccupied rooms. A sudden cold snap can cause pipes to freeze quickly. 

For pipes under sinks or in cabinets, open the doors during extremely cold weather to allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes, especially those located on exterior walls. 

 If temperatures are dropping below freezing, let faucets drip slightly. This helps prevent the pipes from freezing by allowing a small flow of water, which keeps pressure from building up inside the pipes. 

 Disconnect and drain garden hoses before the first freeze. Shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets and store hoses in a shed or garage. it is recommended to install frost-proof hose bibs to avoid freezing. 

 Insulate the attic and any crawl spaces. This helps to keep your plumbing from being exposed to extreme temperatures. Pay extra attention to areas around the pipes and any gaps or holes in the insulation. 

 If you have water pipes running through the garage, make sure the garage door is closed during cold weather. The temperature in a garage can drop significantly, putting your pipes at risk of freezing. 

 Consider installing a freeze alarm or temperature sensor that can alert you if the temperature in your home or specific areas (like the basement or attic) drops to a dangerous level. 

 For areas with extreme cold, consider installing electric heating cables on vulnerable pipes. These cables can be plugged in to provide extra warmth and prevent freezing, especially in areas like exterior walls. 

If your water meter is located outside, make sure it’s insulated and protected from freezing. Wrap the meter with insulation or a special insulating blanket to keep it warm. 

 Contact Willcox Plumbing immediately if you have frozen or broken pipes. We’ll quickly fix the leak, assess the water damage, and handle the necessary repairs. Plus, our Water Mitigation Specialists are on standby to assist with large-scale Water Extraction, Drying, Mold Prevention, and Complete Restoration or your home or business.