Winter in Maryland can be harsh, with temperatures dropping low enough to wreak havoc on your home’s pipes. If you’ve found yourself dealing with frozen or burst pipes before, you already know how stressful and costly it can be—not to mention the water damage! But the good news? With a little preparation, you can keep your plumbing safe and your home cozy all season long. Here's how to protect your pipes from freezing and how Linthicum Plumbing can help when temperatures take a nosedive.
Why Do Pipes Freeze?
When temperatures dip below freezing, the water inside your pipes can solidify, expanding enough to cause the pipe to crack or burst. This happens most often in poorly insulated areas of your home—think basements, crawl spaces, and exterior walls. Even a tiny rupture can lead to gallons of water leaking into your home, causing thousands of dollars in repair costs.
Steps to Prevent Frozen Pipes
1. Add Insulation to Pipes
One of the simplest ways to prep for winter is to insulate any exposed pipes. Foam pipe sleeves or heat tape are quick, effective solutions for protecting vulnerable areas like basements, attics, and outdoor spigots.
2. Seal Any Gaps or Drafts
Cold air seeping indoors is one of the leading causes of pipe freezing. Look for cracks, gaps, or holes near plumbing lines (especially where pipes exit an exterior wall) and seal them with caulk or foam insulation.
3. Keep Water Flowing
Even a small drip of water can prevent freezing! During bitter nights, turn your faucets to a slow, steady trickle. This keeps water moving through the pipes, reducing the risk of freezing.
4. Open Cabinet Doors
For pipes located beneath sinks on exterior walls, open the cabinet doors to allow warm air from your home to circulate and keep the pipes warm.
5. Maintain a Stable Indoor Temperature
Even if you're away from home, keep your thermostat at a steady 55°F or higher. Ensuring your home stays warm will help protect vulnerable plumbing throughout your property.
6. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
Leaving hoses attached to outdoor faucets can trap water, which then freezes and damages your pipes. Disconnect hoses, drain them, and store them indoors for the winter months.
Emergency Preparedness
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, pipes still freeze. When this happens, act quickly to reduce damage.
Thaw Frozen Pipes Gradually: Use a hairdryer or towels soaked in warm water to thaw frozen pipes slowly. Never use open flames or extreme heat, as this can damage the pipe and create a fire hazard.
Know Where Your Shut-Off Valve Is: If a pipe bursts, turning off your water immediately can save your home from extensive flooding. Make sure everyone in your household knows where to find the main shut-off valve.
Why Call Linthicum Plumbing?
While these tips can help you avoid the worst scenarios, there’s no substitute for professional expertise. Linthicum Plumbing specializes in protecting Maryland homeowners from winter plumbing issues. Whether you need professional pipe insulation, emergency pipe repairs, or preventive maintenance, we’re here to make sure your plumbing stays safe no matter the temperature outside.
With more than 25 years of experience serving our community, we’ve seen it all—and we know how to fix it all. Got a frozen pipe emergency? Our team is available 24/7 to help you when you need it most.
Take Action Before It’s Too Late
Maryland winters aren’t going anywhere, but damaging plumbing issues don’t have to be part of your season. Start prepping your home today and rely on Linthicum Plumbing for expert support, no matter your plumbing concerns. Stay warm, stay safe, and let us handle the hard stuff!
Winter Plumbing Preparedness Starts Here!
Contact Linthicum Plumbing today at (410) 768-5350 to schedule an appointment. Your pipes will thank you!