How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Your Home

Every year, approximately 250,000 homes experience damage caused by frozen pipes (State Farm Insurance). This damage can wreak havoc on your prized possessions, floors, walls, and even your foundation. Luckily, there are a few preventative measures you can take to help reduce the chances that you’re stuck with an icy mess on your hands this winter.

Do Pipes Freeze in the Twin Cities?
They must certainly do! While it’s in another part of our country, consider Niagara Falls. In recent years, we’ve seen the illustrious Niagara Falls freeze multiple times in the same winter! If the liquid in this enormous waterfall has managed to freeze, the pipes in our homes are certainly in danger. As the water in frozen pipes expands, it causes flooding from broken or burst pipes. 

While it’s tough to guarantee that frozen pipes never occur here in Minnesota, there are things you can do to prevent the experience. If the forecast is projected to creep below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, try our ideas below.

Paul Davis Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes

#1: Drain outdoor water

Because they’re right out there in the elements, outdoor pipes are more likely to freeze during winter weather. That’s why it’s so important to schedule a specific time to drain your sprinkler supply lines, swimming pools, and outdoor hose bibs.

Pro-tip: You can also prevent frozen pipes by letting your faucets drip during extreme cold temperatures.

#2: Install pipe sleeves or heat tape to exposed pipes

Take extra care to insulate exposed pipes. You can use pipe sleeves or heat tape to provide an extra layer of protection from chilly weather.

#3: Monitor your thermostat

Break the habit of turning off your thermostat or your furnace to save money in the winter. A warm home equals warm, flowing pipes. Saving a few dollars from lower heat will not be worth it when you’re dealing with a burst pipe. If you ever go on vacation, make sure it is not set to anything lower than 55 degrees

#4: Consider adding insulation

Investigate the nooks and crannies of your home including your attic, basement, and crawl spaces to see if they lack insulation. Investing in insulation won’t only lower the possibility of broken or frozen pipes, it will also help lessen the blow of what you pay for utilities.

#5: Be prepared

If you see a slow trickle when you open a faucet, you may have a frozen pipe. Keep the faucet open and apply heat, either with a hair dryer or electric heating pad, to the pipe. (Do not use an open flame device.) Maintain heat until water pressure is restored.

Pro-tip: Check the other pipes in your home. If you have one frozen pipe, chances are others will freeze, too. 

#6 Call for Help

In the event of a burst pipe, you want to call for help ASAP to prevent water damage from becoming worse. Luckily, our professionals at Paul Davis are available 24/7 and in full-time rescue mode. 

Paul Davis is Here to Help Your Twin Cities Residence or Business
If you do experience frozen or burst pipes in your home or business property this winter, contact Paul Davis Restoration of Greater MSP as soon as possible. Our professional water restoration services provide assistance in water damage emergencies. Take a look at our before and after photos to see the cases we’ve handled. And remember this number: 651.243.0737

We recommend writing it on a piece of paper and sticking it in a highly visible place, such as the refrigerator, or adding it as a contact into your phone. In the event of a high-stress emergency situation, you’ll be glad you have our number handy.