How You Can Prevent Your Pipes From Freezing Over In The Winter

When you think of the weather in the Phoenix metropolitan area, you think of hot and hotter. But in Phoenix, winter can be a beautiful time of year. Typically Phoenix winters are relatively much more tolerable than winters’ back east. it can still be challenging for your plumbing system. One of the most common problems homeowners’ face in the winter is frozen pipes. When your pipes freeze, it can lead to costly and inconvenient plumbing repairs. Frozen pipes can also lead to major flooding and water damage.

When a pipe freezes, the pipe bursts from the expansion of the frozen water.  As soon as the water defrosts enough for water to pass through the line, you have a burst pipe. A burst pipe can produce hundreds of gallons of water a minute leading to a flood.  Often this is outside. Usually frozen pipes occur on top of roofs, or on the side of houses. It can also happen in attics and inside exterior walls. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to keep your pipes from freezing. Here’s how you can prevent your pipes from freezing over in the winter. Let’s explore some tips and tricks to help you keep your pipes safe and secure when the temperature drops. 

Keep Your Pipes From Freezing

1. Insulate Your Pipes 

One of the best ways to prevent pipes from freezing is to insulate them. Pipes that are located in unheated areas are more prone to freezing. Pipes that are in the attic, garage, or exposed outside are particularly vulnerable to freezing over. Insulating these pipes can help to maintain a higher temperature. Maintaining a higher temperature prevents the water inside from freezing. There are a variety of insulation materials available. Foam, fiberglass, and heat tape are great materials to use for insulation. Consult with a licensed plumber to find out which type of insulation is best for your specific needs. 

2. Seal Drafts and Openings 

Cold air can seep into your home through small cracks and openings, making it harder to keep your pipes from freezing. Check for drafts around windows and doors and seal any gaps with weather stripping or caulking. You should also make sure that all doors and windows are closed tightly when not in use and consider adding storm doors or windows for added protection.  This can assist with preventing pipes from freezing within structures, like your home, casita or garage.  

3. Keep a Steady Temperature 

Another way to prevent pipes from freezing is to maintain a steady temperature inside your home. Set your thermostat to a consistent temperature, even when you’re away from home, to prevent the temperature from dropping too low. You should also consider installing a smart thermostat, which can help you regulate your home’s temperature more efficiently.  This is especially important on the nights that we have freeze warnings and when you’re on the outskirts of Phoenix, like Troon, Cave Creek, Queen Creek etc.  

4. Leave a faucet on 

The most affordable way to instantly prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting is to leave the water running.  I know that sounds crazy but moving water has a lot harder time freezing that still water.  This isn’t the ideal permanent solution but it will save you in a pinch.  I doubt this will work in states that get colder than the Phoenix, Arizona area but it does work here.  Leaving a faucet on a decent trickle helps to keep the water moving so it can only become slushy like rather than a solid ice block.  There is risk to this, if you have a stoppage in your drain line and you have water constantly running into it, you could have a flood.  You may want to use an outside hose bibb, or two for this method.   

In conclusion, frozen pipes can be a major headache for homeowners in the winter, but there are steps you can take to prevent this problem. By insulating your pipes, sealing drafts and openings, keeping a steady temperature, letting your faucets drip, and opening cabinet doors, you can keep your pipes safe and secure when the temperature drops. If you’re unsure how to properly protect your plumbing system, don’t hesitate to contact a licensed plumber for assistance. With a little bit of preparation and some smart strategies you now know how you can prevent your pipes from freezing over in the winter. With these great tips you can keep your pipes from freezing over and avoid costly plumbing repairs. 

Services in Phoenix & Beyond

If you’re in the Phoenix area and would like an in home consultation to see which type of electric hybrid water heater is best for your home reach out. At Robins Plumbing we are happy to help. Are you facing issues with your plumbing? Feel free to “Call a Robin” and we will do our best to help. If you live in the Phoenix metropolitan area and need a salt or salt free water softener trust Robins Plumbing!

With over 20 years of experience in the plumbing industry, you can trust our professionals to deliver a professional consultation to see what solution fits best for your home. We also offer a variety of residential and commercial plumbing services, including: drain cleaning, water heater repair and replacement, sewer camera inspection and locating, backflow prevention, commercial and residential jetting, water treatments, and more. Visit our reviews online to see what others have to say about our local plumbing company!