Insulate Outside Water Pipes from Freezing with These Easy Steps

Insulating outside water pipes from freezing is a crucial step to prevent damage and ensure a steady water supply.

Frozen pipes can burst and cause thousands of dollars in damages.

Wrap foam pipe insulation around exposed pipes to keep them warm.

This type of insulation is specifically designed for outdoor use and can withstand freezing temperatures.

Disconnect and drain your garden hoses before the first hard freeze to prevent outdoor pipes from freezing. This simple step can save you from a costly and messy flood.

Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage, as this can help keep pipes from freezing. Opening kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors also allows warmer air to circulate around exposed or underinsulated plumbing.

Running water through your plumbing system helps prevent pipes from freezing, so consider leaving one sink on at a slow trickle when you're away from home. This will allow pressure to escape and help prevent pipes from bursting.

Prevention is key when it comes to avoiding frozen pipes. Here are some tips to help you protect your home's plumbing system.

First, disconnect and drain your garden hoses before the first hard freeze. This will prevent water from freezing inside the hose and extending into your home's supply line.

If you don't have frost-proof spigots, close the interior shut-off valve leading to each faucet, open and drain the spigot, and install a faucet insulator.

Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage, as this will help keep the area warm and prevent pipes from freezing.

Opening kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors will allow warmer air to circulate around any exposed or underinsulated plumbing that runs beneath or behind them.

Make sure to keep the heat on inside your home set at no lower than 55° F, even at night or when you're gone for the day.

Running water through your plumbing system helps prevent pipes from freezing and bursting, so consider leaving one sink on at a slow trickle.

Here are some specific areas to focus on:

If you're going to be away from your home for a significant period of time during severely cold weather, shut off the main water supply and have a plumber come to inspect and drain the system.

If you suspect a frozen pipe, our team can help diagnose and thaw the line. Our team at Thomas & Galbraith Heating, Cooling & Plumbing can even repair leaks or replace burst pipes.

We offer 24/7/365 emergency repairs if you have problems when we are closed.

Seal any gaps or cracks around pipes to prevent cold air from infiltrating your home. Caulk or weather-stripping can be used to seal these areas.

You should also wrap pipes in heat tape, especially in vulnerable areas like outdoor pipes or unheated spaces. This will provide warmth to the pipes and prevent freezing.

Regularly inspect and replace any damaged or worn-out heat tape to maintain its efficiency.

Cold air can infiltrate your home through gaps and cracks, putting your pipes at risk.

Conduct a thorough inspection of your property, paying attention to areas where pipes are located. Seal any gaps or cracks using caulk or weather-stripping to keep the cold air out and maintain a warmer environment around your plumbing.

Applying heat tape is a simple yet effective way to protect your pipes from freezing temperatures. It's especially useful for outdoor pipes or those in unheated spaces.

Heat tape automatically activates when temperatures drop, supplying warmth to the pipes to prevent freezing. This can be a lifesaver during harsh winters.

Regularly inspect and replace any damaged or worn-out heat tape to maintain its efficiency.

Closing your garage door during cold winter months is a simple yet effective strategy in preventing frozen pipes. Garages are often overlooked when it comes to insulation, and they tend to be significantly colder than the rest of the house.

Leaving the garage door open allows frigid outdoor air to infiltrate the space, exposing any adjacent pipes to freezing temperatures. By keeping the garage door closed, you create a barrier that helps retain some warmth within the garage.

Closing the garage door provides an additional layer of protection for pipes running along or near the garage walls. This can be especially important for homes with attached garages.

Outdoor hose bibs can be a real pain in the winter. Removing garden hoses, draining them, and storing them properly is a great first step to prevent damage.

Frost-free hose bibs are a common feature in newer homes and are designed to use gravity to drain water away from the line. This makes them less likely to freeze than older hose bibs.

If you have older hose bibs, consider hiring a plumber to upgrade them to frost-free varieties. This can save you a lot of headaches and costly repairs down the line.

Preventing outdoor pipes from freezing is crucial. Insulate outdoor hose bibs and water supply lines with pipe insulation and bib covers to shield the spigot from winter weather.

Here's a quick rundown of what you can do to protect your outdoor hose bibs:

In extreme cases, you may need to thaw a frozen hose bib. To do this, locate the point where the water pipe penetrates the exterior wall and wrap the base with rags or towels. Heat up the towels with boiling water or a hair dryer to warm the frozen pipe segments.

Frost-free hose bibs are a game-changer for preventing frozen pipes. They're designed to use gravity to drain water away from the line, making them less likely to freeze.

To install frost-free hose bibs, you'll need to remove garden hoses, drain them, and store them as outlined above. Then, turn the shut-off valve that supplies the hose bib until it's perpendicular to the line, and open the hose bib outdoors to let the rest of the water drain out.

Newer homes often come equipped with frost-free bibs, which are installed at a slope to take advantage of gravity's draining power. If your home has older hose bibs, consider hiring a plumber to upgrade them to frost-free varieties.

Here are some benefits of frost-free hose bibs:

Preventing outdoor pipes from freezing requires more than just frost-free hose bibs. You'll also need to insulate outdoor hose bibs and water supply lines. Pipe insulation contains a slit that makes it easy to slide over water pipes and supply lines, and bib covers shield the spigot from winter weather.

If it freezes, turn off the main water supply to prevent further damage.

The first step is to locate the shut-off valve, which is usually found near the water meter or where the water line enters the house.

Identify the valve, it's typically a round or oval handle that looks like a big faucet.

Turn the valve clockwise to shut off the water supply, but be prepared for some water to still seep out.

Disconnect any outdoor hoses to prevent water from freezing in the hose and causing additional damage.

Let the faucets drip slightly to prevent the pipes from bursting, but be mindful of the water usage.