There is nothing worse than being unprepared for a hard freeze. It’s important to know how to keep pipes from freezing when the freeze does come. If you don’t protect the water pipes in your home, one may actually burst.

Why Do Frozen Pipes Burst?

When water freezes, it expands. Even in newer homes, that have PVC pipes, the pipe can burst as the water thaws out and water pressure resumes. Usually the breach happens at a joint, so it’s not all that hard to repair. It’s the freezing weather and location of the pipe that makes it difficult. What if that pipe is under your house? What if you have to crawl under there in sub-freezing weather? You only have to do that once, and you’ll never go unprepared again.

How to Protect Pipes

If those pipes are under the house, someone has to crawl under there and wrap them. Home Improvement stores carry pipe insulation that is easily slipped around the pipes. Get more than you think you need. This pipe covering comes in different sizes. You’ll need the smaller sizes for water pipes and the larger size for sewer pipes. Also wrap your outdoor faucets and any exposed pipes. Budget minded people use old towels to do this, but you can buy faucet covers that are easy to apply. During the freeze, keep all faucets dripping.

Don’t Wait For a Freezing Forecast

If you haven’t already wrapped your pipes, do it now! If you live in the country, and you have a water well, wrap the pressure tank with a blanket. Even if the tank is in an enclosed area, it can freeze. If electricity is available, an electric blanket might be in order. It can be turned on and off as needed. If your house is on pier and beam and it isn’t skirted, this will be an investment you won’t regret!

Preparation and planning will keep the pipes from freezing.