Winterizing Your Plumbing
Mountain living means taking freezing temperatures seriously. Here's how to protect your pipes and prevent costly water damage.
Pre-Winter Checklist
Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
Remove all hoses from outdoor faucets. Water left in connected hoses can freeze back into the pipe and cause it to burst.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Wrap foam insulation around pipes in unheated areas - crawlspaces, attics, garages, and exterior walls. Pay special attention to pipes that have frozen before.
Seal Air Leaks
Cold air blowing on pipes causes freezing. Seal gaps around pipes where they enter your home and close crawlspace vents.
Know Your Shutoff
If pipes freeze and burst, you need to stop water flow immediately. Make sure everyone knows where the main shutoff valve is.
Consider Heat Tape
Electric heat tape can prevent freezing in particularly vulnerable areas. We can install this for maximum protection.
During Cold Snaps
When temperatures drop below 20F, let vulnerable faucets drip slightly. Moving water is less likely to freeze.
Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to let warm air reach pipes against exterior walls.
If leaving your home, keep the thermostat at 55F minimum. It's cheaper than fixing burst pipes.
Check on pipes in unheated spaces during extreme cold. Catch problems before they become emergencies.
Still have questions?
If Pipes Freeze
Despite your best efforts, pipes can still freeze. If you suspect frozen pipes: 1. Keep the faucet open - as ice melts, water needs somewhere to go 2. Apply gentle heat with a hair dryer, heating pad, or space heater - NEVER use an open flame 3. Heat from the faucet back toward the frozen section 4. Check for cracks or splits in the pipe 5. If you can't locate or thaw the freeze, call us immediately If a pipe has burst, shut off the main water valve immediately and call (828) 555-0199.
Want Professional Winterization?
We offer complete winterization services. Call before the cold hits!