The best way to keep pipes from freezing in winter is by taking a number of proactive, preventive steps before winter’s icy grip sets in. No one wants to come home from work or return from the holidays to the sight of water gushing from a burst pipe, let alone walk into a flooded house. Yet, it happens all too often, which is why Octagon Cleaning and Restoration wants to remind its customers that now is the time to safeguard the water pipes in their homes or businesses against freezing in winter.
Frozen pipes can lead to a catastrophic failure of those pipes. Once they rupture, expect area flooding at least damage not only to surrounding walls, floors, ceilings, furniture, and furnishings, but also potentially damage insulation, drywall, other building materials, and household safety hazards if exposed to wiring and electrical outlets.
5 Essential Tips to Protect Your Pipes from Freezing this Winter
1. Identifying Areas of Vulnerability
Homeowners should identify areas where pipes may be vulnerable to cold air or drafts when cold weather sets in. Exposed or inadequately insulated pipes in following unheated spaces are highly susceptible to freezing when temperatures drop.
– Exterior walls
– Kitchen and bathroom cabinets
– Crawl spaces
– Basements
Knowing where your pipes are most exposed to cold allows you to take preventive measures, like adding insulation, sealing drafts, or increasing the flow of warm air to those areas during cold snaps.
2. Insulation
Insulating pipes is an effective way to prevent them from freezing in winter. Insulation provides a protective barrier against the cold, which helps maintain a more stable temperature for the water inside.
On the other hand, uninsulated pipes in unheated areas are at a high risk of freezing and potentially bursting. Wrapping pipes in foam sleeves should provide enough insulation for exposed pipes in moderately cold areas of the house—the thicker the sleeve, the better insulated the pipe.
Insulating vulnerable pipes reduces heat loss, saves energy, and ensures the water inside stays above freezing. Insulation provides a cost-effective, long-term solution to safeguard your plumbing system in cold weather.
3. Dripping Faucets
Leaving a faucet dripping cold water during a cold snap can help prevent pipes from freezing by allowing a small amount of water to flow through the pipes continuously. This helps prevent the water from standing and freezing inside the pipes when temperatures drop, which can cause them to burst.
A slow drip of water helps relieve pressure in the pipe, making it less likely to crack or split due to freezing temperatures. If the dripping stops or slows, it’s likely the water in the pipe has frozen or beginning to, and it’s time to take steps to thaw it to prevent further damage.
4. Keep Cabinet Doors Open During Freezing Temperatures
Opening cabinets that house water pipes are a simple yet effective way to prevent pipes from freezing during a cold snap. Doing so allows warm air from the heated interior of the home to circulate pipes, especially those under kitchen and bathroom sinks.
These areas are often located along exterior walls, where pipes are more exposed to cold temperatures and more vulnerable to freezing. By opening the cabinet doors, you reduce the temperature difference between the pipes and the rest of the house, helping keep the water inside the pipes above freezing.
5. Maintain a Consistent Flow of Warm Air
Maintaining a consistent flow of warm air to vulnerable areas of the house is another way to keep pipes from freezing during cold weather. Not just the pipes under cabinets but other areas where pipes may be housed along exterior walls, anterooms, and unfinished basements—areas that often have little natural heat and are more exposed to the cold.
By ensuring that warm air reaches these typically cooler parts of the house, you minimize the risk of frozen pipes, maintain reliable water flow, and avoid the high costs and inconvenience of emergency repairs.
What to Do If Your Pipes are Already Frozen
1. Turn Off the Water Main
Start by shutting off the water main to stop additional water from flowing into your home’s plumbing system. This prevents pressure buildup, which could cause pipes to burst.
2. Open Your Faucets
Turn on the affected faucets to relieve pressure and drain any residual water. Be gentle when turning the knobs, as the faucets themselves may also be frozen.
3. Switch Off the Boiler
For added safety, turn off your boiler or heating system to avoid damage while addressing the frozen pipes.
4. Thaw the Frozen Pipes
Use a safe heating method, such as setting up a space heater in the area of the freeze. Ensure the space heater is monitored and never left unattended. You can also open your cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes behind walls or under sinks.
5. Important Safety Note
Do not use flammable heat sources, like propane heaters or blowtorches, to thaw frozen pipes. These pose a serious fire hazard and could damage your plumbing.
When to Call a Professional to Handle It
– If you can’t locate the freeze.
– If the frozen pipe is inside a wall or ceiling.
– If you’re uncomfortable attempting the thaw yourself.
– If you turn on a faucet and nothing comes out and you suspect the main water line may be frozen.
We’re Here to Ease Your Stress and Get the Job Done Right
We’ve built our reputation on reliability, quality workmanship, and putting our customers’ peace of mind first. When temperatures drop and pipes are at risk, you can count on us.
“All around fantastic. I think the best quality at Octagon is their great communication skills. We were updated every step and their due diligence in ensuring the work was done right was great. They came back through multiple times to ensure the job was done and done right.”
– J.O
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ACAC and IICRC Certified
Our firm is ACAC and IICRC Certified, and we are proud members of the Better Business Bureau. This means we adhere to a strict code of ethics and use approved cleaning and restoration methods.
ACAC (American Council for Accredited Certification)
This certification indicates that technicians are trained and qualified to handle environmental issues like mold inspection and remediation, asbestos assessment, and lead inspection—all of which can become concerns after water damage from burst pipes.
IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification)
This is the leading certification body for the cleaning and restoration industry. IICRC-certified technicians are trained in proper water damage restoration, structural drying, mold remediation, and other restoration services.
Learn more about our certifications.
Protect Your Home from Frozen Pipes and Water Damage
Winter in Maine and New Hampshire can be tough on your plumbing. Whether you need help preventing frozen pipes or you’re already dealing with a water damage emergency, we’ve got your back.
Our team has spent years helping neighbors throughout New England tackle everything from frozen pipe prevention to major water damage restoration. We know how stressful these situations can be, and we’re here to make the process as smooth as possible.
Need help? Give us a call anytime:
Maine: 207-893-0002
New Hampshire: 603-239-2100
We’re ready when you are—whether you want to schedule a preventive inspection or need emergency assistance right now.
