Preventing Frozen Pipes During Holiday Travel
As the holidays approach, many of us look forward to extended trips to visit family and friends or take a nice sunny vacation out of the Coulee Region. While you’re busy planning your travel itinerary, it’s important not to forget about your home—especially your plumbing. Frozen pipes are one of the most common and costly problems homeowners face during the winter, and if you’re away when disaster strikes, the damage can be significant.
At Niebuhr Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning, we want to help you protect your home while you’re away. Here are some practical tips to prevent frozen pipes and ensure peace of mind during your holiday travels.
Why Do Pipes Freeze In Winter?
Frozen pipes occur when temperatures drop low enough to freeze the water inside your plumbing. As water freezes, it expands, putting pressure on your pipes, which can lead to cracks or even bursts. This not only disrupts your water supply but can also result in water damage and expensive repairs. Pipes located in unheated areas, such as basements, crawl spaces, garages, and attics, are particularly vulnerable.
Step-by-Step Guide To Preventing Frozen Pipes During Holiday Travel
1. Leave Your Heat On
The most effective way to prevent frozen pipes is to keep your home’s heating system running while you’re away. Even if no one is home, maintaining a minimum temperature will help keep your pipes from freezing.
- Set your thermostat: Keep the thermostat set to at least 55°F. This ensures that all areas of your home, including unheated spaces, remain warm enough to prevent freezing. Avoid turning the heat off completely, as this can lead to frozen and burst pipes.
2. Open Cabinet Doors
Pipes under sinks or in cabinets are often located along exterior walls, making them more susceptible to freezing. To help warm air circulate around these pipes, leave cabinet doors open before you leave.
- Pro Tip: Remove any hazardous chemicals or cleaning supplies from these areas if children or pets will be present in the home.
3. Let Faucets Drip
Allowing faucets to drip slightly can relieve pressure in your plumbing system and prevent pipes from freezing. This is especially important for pipes in areas that are more exposed to cold temperatures, such as those along exterior walls.
- Which faucets? Focus on faucets connected to pipes that are most at risk of freezing, such as those in your kitchen, bathrooms, or basement.
- How much water? A slow, steady drip is sufficient to keep water moving and reduce the risk of freezing.
4. Shut Off Outdoor Water Lines
If you haven’t already winterized your outdoor plumbing, now is the time. Pipes connected to outdoor faucets or irrigation systems are particularly vulnerable to freezing.
- Disconnect garden hoses: Remove and store hoses indoors.
- Shut off outdoor faucets: Turn off the water supply to outdoor spigots and drain any remaining water.
- Install faucet covers: Insulated covers add an extra layer of protection against freezing temperatures.
5. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Pipes located in unheated areas, such as basements, attics, and garages, can be insulated to protect them from freezing.
- Use pipe insulation: Foam pipe insulation or self-adhesive insulating tape can help keep pipes warm.
- Consider pipe heating cables: For pipes that are particularly vulnerable, such as those in extremely cold areas, heating cables can provide additional protection.
6. Seal Drafts And Insulate Your Home
Cold air entering your home through cracks, gaps, or poorly insulated areas can lower the temperature around your pipes, increasing the risk of freezing.
- Seal gaps: Check for drafts around windows, doors, and where pipes enter your home. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal these areas.
- Add insulation: Ensure that your attic, basement, and crawl spaces are properly insulated to help retain heat and keep pipes warm.
7. Shut Off The Main Water Supply (Optional)
If you’re planning to be away for an extended period, consider turning off the main water supply to your home. This minimizes the risk of flooding in case a pipe does burst while you’re away.
- Drain your pipes: After shutting off the main water supply, open all faucets to drain any remaining water from the system.
- Consult a professional: If you’re unsure how to properly shut off your water supply and drain your system, contact a plumber for assistance.
Additional Precautions For Holiday Travel
- Monitor your home remotely: If you have a smart thermostat, use it to monitor and adjust your home’s temperature while you’re away.
- Ask someone to check on your home: Find a trusted neighbor or friend to stop by your home periodically to ensure everything is in order.
- Prepare for emergencies: Leave the contact information for a trusted plumber, like Niebuhr Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning, with whoever is watching your home.
Signs Of Frozen Pipes To Watch For
If you suspect your pipes may have frozen while you were away, look for these warning signs:
- No water coming from faucets
- Frost on visible pipes
- Strange odors coming from drains
If you notice any of these signs, act quickly to prevent further damage. Turn off your water supply and call a professional plumber immediately.
Conclusion
By taking a few proactive steps—like maintaining your home’s heat, insulating pipes, and sealing drafts—you can protect your plumbing system, prevent frozen pipes, and avoid costly repairs. A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your home stays safe and sound while you enjoy your holiday plans.
If you need assistance preparing your plumbing system for winter or dealing with frozen pipes, Niebuhr is here to help. Contact us at (608) 782-1700 for expert advice and services. We’re committed to keeping your home comfortable and worry-free this winter season.
