If you’re a homeowner or a landlord, you’re likely no stranger to broken pipes caused by ice in the winter. Nothing is worse than having to deal with a water leak from frozen pipes in the dead of winter after a stressful, snowy drive home. The solution? Set up your winter plumbing solutions ahead of time. Don’t let an unexpected and disastrous leak ruin your home and furniture. Want to know how to stop pipes freezing? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about preparing pipes for a long and cold winter, including proper outdoor water pipe insulation.

1. Drain Your Pipes

This step depends on your winter plans. If you need to winterize a home before you head south for the winter, draining your pipes is essential. If you’re staying in the home you’re prepping for winter, this won’t apply to you since you use your water every day. For those prepping a home to stay empty for the winter, draining your pipes will almost always prevent burst pipes. If there’s no water to freeze inside the pipes, then there’s no way for the pipe to burst. First, turn off all external faucet valves. Disconnect the hoses from all external faucets. Then, turn on your external faucets to run the remaining water out. Don’t skip the last step just because you turned the water off! Any remaining water in the pipes can cause a pipe to burst!

2. Repair Your Leaks

Have you been putting off getting a pipe leak repaired? Relying heavily on duct tape? Maybe you have pipe leaks you’re not even aware of. Now’s the time to take care of those pesky leaks. They can cause and exacerbate leaks in the winter, which can lead to flooding and costly repairs.

Your best bet is to hire a professional here. Plumbers are trained to find even the smallest leaks that you might overlook. You’ll thank yourself when winter is in full swing and you’re sleeping soundly with fully functioning pipes!

3. Indoor and Outdoor Water Pipe Insulation

Every home needs outdoor water pipe insulation in the winter, whether you’re occupying the winter home or not. There are a couple of different materials you can use to do this. First, you can use heat tape. This is an easy, simple solution for most homeowners. You simply wrap the tape around the pipes, and voila. Second, you can use foam tubing. Make sure to purchase the foam tubing with a slit already cut in the side. Pop it on your pipes and you’re good to go!

Prepping Your Property for Winter

Flooding due to burst pipes can lead to terrible home damage, ruined furniture, and a big ol’ headache. You can avoid it with a few simple preparations. Don’t put it off and assume it won’t happen to you! Need help with your outdoor water pipe insulation, pipe repairs, and any other winterization of your home’s plumbing? Get in touch! We specialize in all of the above, and would love to help you start the season with peace of mind!