Frozen Pipe Repair & Prevention

Have you ever turned on the kitchen faucet on a chilly morning, only to find that the recent quick drop in temperature, perhaps combined with poor pipe insulation, has left you with frozen pipes?

 

It’s a fact of life here in Michigan: Pipes are vulnerable to freezing during the winter. Unfortunately, water in the pipes expands as it freezes — and the pressure can cause your seemingly strong and reliable pipes to burst at the seams.

 

The good news is that you can follow a few simple steps to safeguard your plumbing system during the Michigan winters.

• Disconnect garden hoses and shut off the associated water supply valves before the first winter cold snap.

• Wrap plumbing pipes with heating tape or pipe insulation, especially those near exterior walls or in unheated areas like crawl spaces or the basement.

• Keep your home heating system on at least low, even when sleeping or away from home, if you expect near-freezing temperatures.

• Let water faucets drip for frozen pipe prevention and to relieve or prevent pressure buildup in water lines.

• Keep doors of attached garages closed during the winter.

• Drain your water system before leaving for extended periods or going on vacation.
   

Contact us at (248) 548-7488 for preventive maintenance and a full inspection. It also gives us the opportunity to suggest weatherizing tips specific to your home’s plumbing system, identify areas where pipe insulation is missing, and winter-proof your water heater.