Winter temperatures in Massachusetts can pose a serious threat to your home’s plumbing system. Freezing pipes can burst, leading to significant water damage and costly repairs. Fortunately, with the right precautions, you can protect your home from frozen pipes during the harshest conditions.

At Blue Harbor Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, we specialize in helping Norwell, MA homeowners prevent frozen pipes and keeping their plumbing system safe throughout the winter. Here’s how you can safeguard your home against freezing temperatures.

Why Do Pipes Freeze?

Pipes freeze when temperatures drop below 32 degrees, causing the water inside to turn to ice. As the water expands, it creates pressure that can crack or burst the pipe, leading to potential flooding and water damage.

The most vulnerable pipes are often found in:

• Unheated spaces like basements, attics, and garages.
• Areas near exterior walls or outdoor plumbing fixtures.
• Pipes in crawl spaces or exposed to drafts.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Your Home

1. Insulate Your Pipes

Install foam pipe insulation or heat tape on vulnerable pipes to keep them warm. These materials are especially helpful in areas like crawl spaces, garages and attics.

2. Seal Air Leaks

Check for drafts near plumbing lines, especially around windows, doors, and crawl space openings. Seal gaps with caulk or weatherstripping to keep cold air out.

3. Keep the Heat On

Keep your thermostat set above 55 degrees, even if you’re away from home. This prevents interior pipes from freezing.

4. Protect Outdoor Plumbing

Disconnect garden hoses, drain outdoor faucets, and cover them with insulated faucet covers. This is crucial for minimizing the risk of freezing in exterior plumbing.

5. Close Garage Doors

If your water supply lines run through the garage, keep the doors closed as much as possible to protect ipes from exposure to freezing temperatures.

6. Locate Your Main Water Shutoff Valve

In case of an emergency, knowing where your main shutoff valve is can minimize water damage from a burst pipe.

Plumbing Maintenance Tips During Extreme Cold

When freezing temperatures are in the forecast, take extra steps to protect your plumbing system:

• Let Faucets Drip: Allowing cold water to flow through exposed pipes can help prevent freezing.
• Open Interior Doors: This promotes warm air circulation throughout your home.
• Open Cabinet Doors: Expose pipes under sinks in kitchens and bathrooms to warm indoor air.
• Add Insulation: Reinforce insulation around pipes in unheated areas like attics and crawl spaces.
• Prepare for Storms: Monitor weather forecasts and ensure your home is winter-ready before extreme cold arrives.

What To Do If Your Pipes Freeze

Even with preventative measures, pipes can still freeze in severe weather. If this happens, act quickly to minimize damage:

1. Shut off the main water valve to reduce the risk of flooding if the pipe bursts.
2. Open the affected faucet to relieve pressure in the frozen pipe.
3. Use a hair dryer or heating pad to thaw the pipe. Never use an open flame.
4. Check other faucets for more potential trouble spots.
5. As the pipe thaws, watch for signs of a burst or leaking pipe.
6. If the pipe doesn’t thaw or you notice leaks, contact a professional for immediate assistance.

Frozen Pipe Prevention Services in Norwell, MA

Preventing frozen pipes is essential for protecting your home and avoiding unnecessary expenses. At Blue Harbor, we offer expert pipe insulation, winterization, and emergency plumbing services for Norwell, Massachusetts and surrounding areas like Hingham, Scituate, and Marshfield.

Call us today at (781) 421-7377 to schedule a consultation, and let us keep your home safe and warm all winter long.