How to Prevent Frozen Pipes During the Winter Season in Rochester, NY

Winter can be harsh and frigid, posing challenges for homeowners, especially when it comes to plumbing in Rochester, NY. Freezing temperatures can cause water inside pipes to freeze, potentially leading to costly and damaging pipe bursts. Before we dive into actionable tips, it's worth noting that preventing frozen pipes can save you a lot of money and headaches in the long run. The average cost of repairing a burst pipe can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, depending on the severity of the damage.

Whether you need assistance with preventing frozen pipes or have any other plumbing concerns, contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Rochester. Our team is standing by to assist you and ensure that your plumbing system remains in excellent condition throughout the winter season. Don't wait until it's too late - contact us to schedule an appointment and protect your home from frozen pipe disasters!

Disconnect Garden Hoses

Before the first frost of the season arrives, it's essential to disconnect and drain all garden hoses. Leaving the hose connected can cause water to remain inside, which can freeze and cause the spigot and the connected pipe to burst. Disconnecting the hose and draining it thoroughly will help prevent any residual water from turning to ice and causing damage.

Insulate Your Pipes

Pipes that are located in the unheated or uninsulated areas of your home, such as the attic, basement, crawlspace, and garage, are especially vulnerable to freezing during the winter. One of the best ways to prevent this from happening is to insulate these pipes. You can purchase pipe insulation sleeves or wrap the pipes with heating tape. These items can be found at many home improvement stores. By keeping the pipes warm, the insulation sleeves can help reduce the risk of frozen pipes and keep your plumbing system running smoothly during the winter months.

Seal Any Air Leaks

Another common culprit of frozen pipes is air leaks around your home's pipes, especially those near exterior walls. Air leaks allow cold air to seep into your home, thereby lowering the temperature around your pipes. This can make them more susceptible to freezing. To prevent this from happening, you need to seal any air leaks you find, especially around your home's pipes. Sealing these leaks can be done using caulk or insulation. Doing so would keep your pipes warm and prevent them from freezing.

Open Doors and Cabinets

Another simple trick to prevent frozen pipes is to open doors and cabinets around the pipes to allow warm air to circulate freely. Pipes located in cabinets or near exterior walls are more susceptible to cold, so keeping these doors open can help prevent any freezing. Simply opening the cabinet doors can help prevent ice from building up, especially in areas that don't receive much heat.

Let Faucets Drip

Allowing your faucets to drip ever so slightly during extremely cold weather is an effective way to prevent frozen pipes. Allowing even the slightest amount of water to flow through your pipes can relieve pressure and ensure that the water doesn't freeze. It's recommended that you allow both hot and cold water faucets to drip, as this can more effectively prevent freezing.

Keep a Consistent Temperature

Maintaining a consistent temperature can also help prevent frozen pipes. This means keeping your thermostat at a minimum indoor temperature of 55°F, even when you're not home. Doing this will ensure that the pipes in your home stay above freezing temperatures and that your plumbing system remains in good working order throughout the winter season.

What to Do if Your Pipes Freeze

If your pipes freeze during winter, it's important to take quick action to prevent damage. Here's what you should do:

1. Turn off the water supply to your home.
2. Identify the frozen pipes.
3. Thaw the pipes using a space heater, heating pad, hair dryer, or warm towels.
4. Keep faucets open to relieve pressure as the ice melts.
5. Consider calling a professional plumber for assistance.

Remember to avoid using open flames or heating devices with open flames to thaw pipes, as this can be dangerous. If you're unsure or uncomfortable, Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Rochester is here to help. Our professionals can handle frozen pipes and any other plumbing emergencies.

Safeguard Your Plumbing System to Enjoy a Worry-Free Winter

By following these simple and practical tips, you can help prevent frozen pipes during the winter season. Doing so will help prevent costly and inconvenient plumbing issues, including water damage, burst pipes, and more. As the winter season quickly approaches Rochester, NY, taking these easy steps will go a long way toward ensuring your home remains safe, warm, and dry throughout the colder months.

Remember, if you suspect that your pipes have already frozen, you must take appropriate action as soon as possible. Contact a professional plumber like Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Rochester, who can assess, minimize, and repair the damage!