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Winter in Dutchess and Ulster Counties brings beautiful snow-covered landscapes, but it also brings frigid temperatures that can wreak havoc on your home's plumbing system. When water freezes inside your pipes, it expands and creates pressure that can cause pipes to burst, leading to thousands of dollars in water damage. The good news? Most frozen pipe disasters are preventable with the right knowledge and preparation.
Don't wait until it's too late! If you're experiencing plumbing issues this winter, contact Lambert Plumbing & Heating at (845) 506-8245 or fill out our online contact form for fast, reliable service.
Why Frozen Pipes Are a Serious Concern
When temperatures drop below 20°F, the water inside your pipes can freeze solid. As water turns to ice, it expands by about 9%, creating intense pressure within your pipes. This pressure doesn't always cause a break at the frozen spot—instead, it can cause pipes to burst downstream, between the frozen area and your faucet. A single burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water per hour, causing extensive damage to walls, floors, ceilings, and your belongings.
The pipes most vulnerable to freezing are those exposed to severe cold, including pipes in unheated interior spaces like basements, attics, and garages. Pipes running along exterior walls or in cabinets are also at high risk, especially during extended cold snaps.
Identify Your Home's Vulnerable Areas
Before winter's coldest days arrive, take time to locate the pipes most likely to freeze. Walk through your home and look for exposed plumbing in these common trouble spots:
- Outdoor hose bibs and sprinkler lines
- Pipes in unheated crawl spaces or basements
- Plumbing located in exterior walls
- Pipes in uninsulated attics or garages
- Water supply lines in kitchen and bathroom cabinets on outside walls
Once you've identified these areas, you can take targeted action to protect them. Knowing where your main water shutoff valve is located is also critical—if a pipe does burst, shutting off the water quickly can minimize damage significantly.
Insulate Exposed Pipes Before Temperature Drops
One of the most effective preventive measures is insulating vulnerable pipes. Pipe insulation is inexpensive and easy to install yourself, making it a smart investment for any homeowner.
Foam pipe sleeves are widely available at hardware stores and slip right over your pipes. For a budget-friendly option, even wrapping pipes with newspaper can provide some protection—just use about a quarter-inch of paper secured with tape. Heat tape or heat cables are another option for pipes that are particularly exposed, but these require electricity and should be used according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Pay special attention to pipes in unheated spaces. In crawl spaces, consider adding insulation to the walls rather than wrapping individual pipes, as this helps maintain a warmer overall temperature in the space.
Keep Your Home Warm Throughout
Maintaining consistent heat throughout your home is your first line of defense against frozen pipes. Even if you're trying to save on heating costs, dropping your thermostat too low can put your plumbing at risk.
Keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F, even when you're away from home. This might seem wasteful, but the cost of maintaining this minimum temperature is far less than the cost of repairing burst pipes and water damage. Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes, especially those on exterior walls. This simple step can make a significant difference during cold snaps.
If you have rooms that are rarely used, don't close them off completely during winter. Keeping interior doors open allows heat to flow throughout your home, helping to keep all areas above freezing.
Let Faucets Drip During Extreme Cold
When temperatures are predicted to drop into the teens or single digits, allowing faucets to drip can prevent freezing. Running water—even just a trickle—keeps water moving through pipes, making it much harder for ice to form.
You don't need a heavy flow; a drip about the size of a pencil lead is sufficient. Focus on faucets served by exposed pipes or those on exterior walls. Both hot and cold water lines can freeze, so if the faucet has separate controls, let both sides drip slightly. Yes, this will increase your water bill marginally, but the cost is minimal compared to the expense of dealing with frozen or burst pipes.
This technique is especially important if you'll be away from home during a cold snap. The small amount of water wasted is insignificant compared to the potential damage from a burst pipe flooding your home while you're gone.
Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
Outdoor hose bibs are extremely vulnerable to freezing because they're directly exposed to the elements. Before the first hard freeze, take these important steps:
- Disconnect all garden hoses from outdoor faucets
- Drain any remaining water from the hoses and store them indoors
- Shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets from inside your home (if you have shut-off valves)
- Open the outdoor faucet to allow any remaining water to drain out
- Leave the outdoor faucet open throughout winter
If you have frost-proof hose bibs, they're designed to drain automatically when shut off, but only if no hose is attached. A connected hose prevents proper drainage and can lead to freezing. Consider installing insulated faucet covers for additional protection—these inexpensive foam covers create a protective barrier against freezing temperatures.
What to Do If Pipes Freeze
Despite your best efforts, pipes can still freeze during particularly harsh weather. If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, you likely have a frozen pipe. Here's what to do:
Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and ice begins to melt, running water will help accelerate the thawing process. Locate the frozen section—it's typically in areas you've already identified as vulnerable. Apply gentle heat to the frozen section using a hair dryer, heating pad, or hot towels wrapped around the pipe. Never use a blowtorch, propane heater, or other open flame device, as these can damage pipes or create a fire hazard.
Work from the faucet back toward the frozen area, allowing melted water to flow out. If you can't locate the frozen area, if the frozen section is inside a wall, or if you're unable to thaw the pipe yourself, it's time to call a professional. Attempting to force a solution can cause more damage.
When to Call for Emergency Help
Some situations require immediate professional assistance. If you discover a burst pipe, shut off your main water supply immediately and call for emergency plumbing service. Water can cause extensive damage in a very short time, so speed is essential.
You should also call a professional if you suspect frozen pipes but can't locate them, if you've attempted thawing but water still isn't flowing, or if you notice any signs of pipe damage like bulging, cracks, or frost on the outside of pipes. These situations require expertise and specialized tools to resolve safely.
Additionally, if multiple faucets aren't working or if your home's water pressure has suddenly dropped during cold weather, you may have a more serious freezing issue that needs professional assessment.
Protect Your Investment This Winter
Taking these preventive steps now can save you from the stress, expense, and damage of frozen or burst pipes this winter. A little preparation goes a long way toward keeping your home safe and your plumbing functioning properly throughout the coldest months.
Lambert Plumbing & Heating serves homeowners throughout Dutchess and Ulster Counties with expert plumbing services. Whether you need help winterizing your plumbing system or require emergency assistance, our experienced team is here for you.
Contact us today at (845) 506-8245 or through our online contact form to schedule service or learn more about protecting your home this winter.