Winter is a season of beauty, but it can also bring its fair share of challenges. Ice, sleet, snow, and freezing temperatures can cause significant damage to your home if you're not prepared. Among the most common and costly problems homeowners face during the winter months are frozen and burst pipes. The good news is, with a little preparation, you can prevent these issues and avoid expensive repairs.

At Cowart Insurance Agency, we care about protecting your home — and your wallet. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide on how to prevent frozen pipes and protect your home from winter’s harshest elements.

Why Frozen Pipes Are a Big Deal

Before we dive into the tips and tricks to keep your pipes safe, let's talk about why this is such an important issue. Frozen pipes are one of the most common causes of water damage in the winter, and they can lead to serious problems:

• Water Damage: When water inside a pipe freezes, it expands. This expansion can cause the pipe to crack or burst, allowing water to flow freely into your home. Even small leaks can cause substantial water damage to walls, floors, insulation, and belongings.
• Costly Repairs: Once a pipe bursts, the damage can be extensive. Beyond fixing the pipe itself, you’ll need to deal with water cleanup, mold prevention, and potential damage to your home’s structure. In some cases, repairs can cost thousands of dollars.
• Inconvenience: Beyond the immediate financial impact, dealing with frozen or burst pipes is a massive inconvenience. Not only do you lose access to water, but you also have to wait for repairs to be made — often in the middle of winter when contractors may be booked solid.

By taking proactive steps to prevent freezing pipes, you can save yourself a lot of hassle and money.

Steps to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Now that we’ve covered why frozen pipes are so problematic, let’s get into the practical steps you can take to protect your home.

1. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Exposed pipes are the most vulnerable to freezing. Pipes located in unheated areas of your home, such as basements, attics, garages, and crawl spaces, are particularly at risk. Fortunately, you can easily insulate them to help keep them from freezing.

• Pipe Insulation: Use foam pipe insulation, which is widely available at home improvement stores. It’s easy to install and can make a big difference in protecting your pipes.
• Wrap with Towels: If you don’t have foam insulation on hand, you can also wrap exposed pipes with old towels, blankets, or newspaper. Just make sure to secure them with duct tape.
• Self-Heating Tape: For pipes that are particularly exposed to cold or hard-to-reach places, you can also purchase self-heating tape, which automatically warms the pipe when the temperature drops to prevent freezing.

2. Let Faucets Drip

It might sound simple, but allowing faucets to drip in extremely cold weather can help prevent pipes from freezing. The idea is that running water is less likely to freeze than standing water.

• Open Cabinet Doors: If you have pipes running through cabinets (under sinks, for example), leave the cabinet doors open to allow warm air from your home to circulate around the pipes.
• Let Faucets Drip: If temperatures are expected to dip drastically, leave your faucets on a slow drip — particularly those that are located on exterior walls. This will relieve pressure in the pipes, reducing the risk of freezing.

3. Seal Gaps and Cracks

Cold air can sneak into your home through small gaps and cracks around windows, doors, or the foundation. These gaps not only allow cold air in, but they can also expose your pipes to freezing conditions.

• Weatherstripping: Apply weatherstripping to windows and doors to seal out drafts. If you can feel cold air coming through the frame of your windows or doors, it’s time to add or replace the weatherstripping.
• Caulk Cracks: Inspect the exterior of your home and look for cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and the foundation. Use caulk to seal these areas, especially where pipes are located.
• Spray Foam Insulation: For larger gaps, you can use spray foam insulation. It expands to fill gaps and helps block cold air, keeping the temperature inside your home more consistent.

4. Maintain a Steady Thermostat

Maintaining a steady temperature is key when it comes to preventing frozen pipes. This is especially important if you plan to leave town during the winter months or if you tend to turn the thermostat down at night to save on energy costs.

• Don’t Set the Thermostat Too Low: While it’s tempting to turn the thermostat down at night, try to avoid setting it below 55°F (13°C). If the temperature inside your home drops too much, the pipes are at risk of freezing.
• Use a Programmable Thermostat: If you’re worried about energy efficiency, invest in a programmable thermostat that can automatically adjust temperatures. This way, you can maintain a steady temperature without constant monitoring.

5. Drain Outdoor Plumbing

Outdoor plumbing — such as sprinkler systems, garden hoses, and swimming pool equipment — is often overlooked when it comes to winterizing your home. If you don’t drain or insulate these pipes, they could freeze, burst, and cause extensive damage.

• Turn Off Outdoor Faucets: Disconnect and drain any garden hoses, and shut off the outdoor water supply valves. For sprinkler systems, make sure they are fully drained and, if possible, insulated.
• Cover Outdoor Faucets: Use faucet covers or insulated materials to protect outdoor faucets from freezing. These inexpensive items can prevent significant damage and save you from costly repairs.

6. Know Where Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve Is

In case of a frozen or burst pipe, you need to know how to quickly shut off the water supply to your home. This can prevent further damage until a plumber can arrive to fix the problem.

• Locate the Shut-Off Valve: The main water shut-off valve is typically located in the basement, crawl space, or near the water meter. Familiarize yourself with its location, and make sure everyone in your household knows where it is.
• Test the Valve: It’s a good idea to periodically test the valve to make sure it’s working properly. If the valve is old or difficult to turn, consider replacing it to ensure you can shut off the water in an emergency.

7. Keep the Heat On While Away

If you’re planning to travel during the winter, make sure your home is still being kept warm enough to prevent your pipes from freezing. A sudden cold snap can occur while you’re away, and without the warmth of your heating system, pipes could freeze and burst.

• Leave the Heat On: If you’re going on vacation, set your thermostat to no lower than 55°F (13°C), even if you’re not home. You can also have a trusted neighbor or friend check on your house periodically while you’re away.

Additional Winter Storm Tips for Home Protection

Beyond frozen pipes, winter storms can bring other risks to your home. Here are some extra steps you can take to protect your property during severe weather:

• Clear Gutters and Downspouts: Snow and ice can cause clogged gutters, which can lead to water damage in your roof or foundation. Make sure your gutters are clear of leaves and debris to allow proper drainage.
• Trim Trees and Shrubs: Ice and snow accumulation on tree branches can cause them to break and fall on your home, potentially damaging your roof, windows, or siding. Trim back any branches that are near your home or power lines.
• Prepare for Power Outages: Winter storms can often knock out power. Make sure you have a basic emergency kit on hand, including flashlights, batteries, a fully charged phone, blankets, and non-perishable food.

Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Home Starts with Prevention

The winter months can be tough on your home, but with the right precautions, you can protect your property from the worst that winter has to offer. By following these tips to prevent frozen pipes, maintain your home’s exterior, and prepare for winter storms, you’ll be well-equipped to avoid damage and stay safe during this chilly season.

At Cowart Insurance Agency, we want you to feel confident that you’re properly insured, no matter what the weather throws your way. If you have any questions about your insurance coverage or need help reviewing your policy, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to make sure you’re protected year-round.

Stay safe, warm, and worry-free this winter!