Fall is the perfect time to prepare your plumbing for winter before freezing temperatures arrive. When cold weather settles in, exposed pipes and poorly insulated plumbing can freeze, leaving homeowners dealing with water interruptions, costly leaks, and unexpected damage.
Taking a few preventive steps now can help you avoid the headache of frozen pipes in Sussex County, DE. A little preparation, combined with help from our expert plumbing team when needed, can keep your plumbing better protected throughout the coldest months.
Disconnect and Store Outdoor Hoses
One of the easiest winterization tasks is disconnecting and draining garden hoses from outdoor faucets. Leaving hoses connected can trap water inside the faucet and connected plumbing, increasing the risk of freezing and damage.
One of the easiest winterization tasks is disconnecting and draining garden hoses from outdoor faucets. Leaving hoses connected can trap water inside the faucet and connected plumbing, increasing the risk of freezing and damage.
If your home has traditional outdoor faucets, consider having our plumbing experts check whether they need additional protection or replacement with frost-free models. Before winter arrives, make sure you also know where your home’s main water shutoff valve is located in case freezing leads to a burst pipe.
Insulate Vulnerable Pipes
Pipes in unheated areas are particularly vulnerable when temperatures drop. Pay attention to plumbing in basements, crawl spaces, garages, attics, and cabinets along exterior walls. These locations may become cold enough for standing water inside pipes to freeze.
Pipe insulation sleeves or wraps can help protect exposed plumbing from freezing temperatures. However, insulation must be installed appropriately, especially around bends, joints, and other vulnerable spots. Our expert plumbing team can inspect your plumbing, identify potential trouble spots, and recommend practical improvements.
Seal Drafts and Maintain Indoor Warmth
Cold air entering through gaps around windows, doors, foundations, and utility openings can make nearby plumbing more susceptible to freezing. Seal drafts with appropriate caulk or weatherstripping, and check for openings where outdoor air can reach pipes.
During cold weather, never set your thermostat below 55 degrees, even when you’re away. If temperatures plunge, open cabinet doors beneath kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow warmer indoor air to circulate. Keep garage doors closed when water lines run through the space, too.
Know When to Let Faucets Drip
During particularly cold weather, consider allowing a small trickle of water from faucets served by vulnerable pipes. Moving water is less likely to freeze than standing water under certain conditions, although dripping faucets are not a substitute for insulation. Ask our plumbing experts whether this precaution makes sense for your home’s plumbing layout, especially if you have experienced frozen pipes before.
Call for Help Before or After a Freeze
Fall is an excellent time to schedule a plumbing inspection and address problems before winter catches you off guard. Our expert plumbing team can check vulnerable pipes, add appropriate insulation, and help you prepare for freezing conditions.
If a pipe freezes or bursts despite your precautions, shut off the main water supply if it is safe to do so and call for professional assistance. We offer 24/7 emergency plumbing service and can promptly address frozen pipes if the worst happens. Prepare your plumbing this fall, and you’ll be better positioned to protect your home all winter long.
Schedule an appointment with Atlantic Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Inc., or ask us any questions about frozen pipes in Sussex County, DE. We take pride in your comfort!