Winter Freeze: Your Guide to Cold Weather Pipe Preparation

5 min read

As McHenry County gears up for the upcoming winter freeze, property owners must ensure that their property is ready to withstand the cold. In areas with extremely low temperatures, like Cary, one major concern is frozen pipes. Rising temperatures, especially in colder areas, can cause burst pipes, resulting in extensive damage and costly repairs.

Fortunately, preparation can go a long way in preventing pipe freeze issues. With this in mind, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on how to prevent frozen pipes in your Cary home or business.

Why Do Pipes Freeze During the Winter?

When the winter season brings extremely low temperatures, pipe sections more vulnerable to the cold can freeze. Water expands as it freezes and adds pressure to the affected pipe section. Too much pressure from the expansion and blockage can eventually cause pipes to crack or burst.

Some pipe sections that are more vulnerable to freezing include:

• In your basement, attic, and garage
• Areas with no heating or insulation
• Exposed to outdoor elements
• Located in the outer walls of your building

Frozen pipes can cause issues throughout the winter. Blockages can lead to a lack of running water. It can cause cracks, which can leak and cause water damage. At worst, it can cause burst pipes, resulting in indoor flooding, water damage, and eventual mold growth.

How To Prevent Frozen Pipes Outdoors

Before and during winter, keep these tips in mind to help you minimize the risk of outdoor pipe freeze issues:

• Drain Your Outdoor Water Line: Shut off the valve that supplies water to your outdoor fixtures. Next, open the faucet or valve to drain your outdoor water line. Leave it open in case there’s some remaining water to minimize pressure.
• Remove Detachable Fixtures: If you have detachable above-ground sprinkler systems or hoses, detach them from your water lines, drain, and dry them thoroughly before storing them in your shed or garage.
• Prepare Your Pool: If your property has a pool, depending on the type, follow the necessary steps to prepare it for the winter. Remove any remaining water from the pipes, pumps, and heaters, if applicable.
• Pipe Insulation: Consider investing in pipe insulation sleeves for exposed pipes. Additionally, you can use faucet covers to insulate your faucets and prevent bursting.

Indoor Pipe Preparation Tips

These are some of the best practices to prepare your property thoroughly before the colder months arrive. Prevent indoor pipes from freezing by taking the following measures:

• Pipe Insulation: Use pipe sleeves to insulate exposed pipes in your garage, basement, or attic. This adds an extra layer of protection against pipe freeze.
• Insulation Maintenance: Before winter begins, have a professional inspect your insulation. This benefits your property by ensuring it is optimally insulated against the cold.
• Seal Cracks and Openings: Cracks and openings allow cold air to enter your walls and expose your pipes to lower temperatures. Have a professional inspect and repair your walls, foundation, windows, doors, and vents.
• Install Pipe Heating Cables: Use heating cables or heat tape on areas more prone to freezing or with no insulation. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing to prevent overheating incidents.
• Locate the Main Water Shut-Off Valve: In case of frozen or burst pipes, ensure those on your property know the main water shut-off valve’s location.

How To Prevent A Frozen Pipe From Bursting During Extremely Cold Weather

Although preparations can help minimize the risk of frozen pipes, there are also some methods you can implement once your area experiences low temperatures.

• Create a Slow Drip: Moving water is less likely to freeze. Allow water to drip from faucets connected to pipes susceptible to freezing. Ensure proper drainage to prevent water damage.
• Keep the Heating On: Even if no one is present on your property for extended periods, consider leaving the thermostat to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit instead of shutting it off. This keeps your property warm and prevents cold air from affecting your property.
• Keep Your Cabinets Open: Pipes behind the walls of your cabinet may be prone to freezing due to a lack of insulation or heating. Keeping your cabinets open allows warm air to circulate and prevent freezing.

Burst Pipes and Winter-Related Water Damage? Restoration 1 of Cary Offers Professional Services

Preparing your property’s pipes for the winter freeze can prevent costly damage and ensure the comfort of your home or commercial establishment during extremely low temperatures. Remember, prevention is key—proactive steps taken today can save you time, money, and stress.

In case of a frozen or burst pipe this winter season, we recommend shutting your main water valve immediately and then calling Restoration 1 of Cary. Our 24/7 emergency services provide swift and responsive solutions to restore your plumbing system as efficiently as possible.

Contact Restoration 1 of Cary at (847) 260-8843 or request an estimate on our property restoration services today.