How to prevent frozen pipes in Michigan cold winters

Michigan’s harsh winter temperatures can cause a variety of plumbing problems, but one of the most common and costly is frozen pipes. Frozen pipes conversed, leading to significant water damage, expensive repairs, and headaches for homeowners there are effective strategies for preventing frozen pipes and protecting your home during the colder months. 

Why do pipes freeze? 

Water pipes freeze as water freezes. It expands which causes pipes to burst. This damage occurs when the pressure buildup and the frozen section, causing it to crack. Busted pipes can result in flooding, expensive repairs, and potentially dangerous situation. 

Key areas of risk  

Certain areas of your home are more susceptible to frozen pipes than others.

• Exterior walls pipes along the outer walls of your home are more exposed to cold temperatures.
• Unheated spaces attic, basement and crawlspaces are often uninsulated and more prone to freezing.
• Exposed pipes, pipes, and unprotected areas like garages or under sinks can freeze if not properly insulated.

Insulate your pipes

The first and most important step to insulating your pipes. Insulation prevent she from escaping and keeping the water temperature steady. There are various options for pipe insulation, including foam sleeves, fiberglass wraps, and heat tape.

Insulate your pipes

Start by insulating your pipes and unheated areas like your attic, basement, and garage. Foam pipe insulation is easy to install and affordable. If you’re in an area with extreme cold, consider using heat tape, which provides a gentle heat to prevent freezing. 

Seal drafts and gaps

Call Erick and easily enter our home through cracks and gaps, making pipes in exterior walls more vulnerable to freeing. Walk around your home and look for potential drafts, seal gaps around windows, doors and vents. You can use weatherstripping or caulking to close gaps in walls or around pipes. For large openings consider using spray foam insulation.

Keep the heat on 

Even if you’re pining to be away during the winter, it’s essential to keep your heat on. Set your thermostat to at least 55°F or higher. This insures that your home remains warm enough to prevent pipes from freezing. If you leave for an extended period of time, have a trusted Friend or neighbor check on your home. 

Let the faucet drip

During extreme cold, allow your faucet to drip to help prevent frozen pipes. When the water is running, it is less likely to freeze. This is especially helpful pipes located along exterior walls or in an unheated space a small trickle water make a significant difference.

Focus on the faucet and vulnerable area, such as a kitchen, bathroom, and the laundry room. Leave both the hot and cold water running but a small amount will suffice.

Open cabinet doors

Another helpful tip is that open cabinet doors under the sink, particularly in kitchen and bathrooms. Doing this from your home to circulate around the pipes, preventing freezing. This is especially important for pipes located in exterior walls.

If the temperature drops dramatically, consider opening the doors 24 seven. This may also have you placed a space heater near the cabinets. You should keep it safe and never leave it unattended if you do place a space heater.

Drain the outdoor faucet

Outdoor faucets are forgot about often in the rush of preparing for winter. However, they are the prime candidate for freezing. Disconnect the garden hose and store them in a dry warm location. For the faucets, using outdoor faucet, insulate the pipe and prevent it from freezing.

Additionally, you might want to consider shutting off the water supply to the outdoor faucet and draining them. This simple step can save you a lot of trouble later.

Maintain proper ventilation

In the attic and crawlspace, ventilation plays the crucial role in maintaining temperature control. Proper ventilation allows, warm air to circulate and prevent freezing temperatures from building up. Check to ensure that the vents are clear of debris and air can flow freely. You can also use the space heater in these areas to maintain a stable temperature, Especially during prolong cold spells. 

Insulate unheated spaces

If you have any heated spaces in your home, bike attic, garage, or crawlspaces you should insulate them. These are areas prone, freezing, which can increase your risk of pipe damage. Insulation will help regulate the temperature in the spaces and keep the pipes from becoming cold.

You can use fiberglass batt insulation , spray foam or even a reflective foil. Be sure to check for gaps of any kind or areas that insulation is missing.

Keep an eye on the weather

Staying informed with the weather conditions can help you be prepared in advance. During cold spells check for the forecast and prepare for the Wurst. At the temperature is expected to drop below freezing for several days. It might be wise to take extra precautions like letting your faucet drip or turn off the water supply to the unneeded areas.

Know how to thaw your pipes

Despite all of your best effort, sometimes pipes still freeze. You can find that a pipe has frozen, it’s important to act quickly and prevent it from bursting. Start by turning off the water supply to the effected pipe. Then gently thaw the frozen section with a hairdryer or a space heater. Never use an open flame as that can cause the pipe to burst and turn into a fire hazard.

If you can’t locate a frozen section or if the pipe is already burst, it’s time to call plumber. They have the tools and expertise to handle frozen pipes safely and effectively.

Preventing frozen pipes in cold winters requires an effort, as well worth it. By insulating your pipes, ceiling, draft, keeping your home warm, and taking the precautionary measures, you are reducing the risk of frozen pipes and costly damage. Be proactive and stay informed about the weather and take action as soon as the temperature drop. Your pipes and your wallet will thank you.

For more information, our plumbing tips are to schedule winter, reach out to a trusted local plumber. Protect your home, your family, and your plumbing system this winter. A handyman plumber can help with frozen pipes too.